Blinken, on Colombia visit, says human rights accountability critical
October 20, 2021
7:11 PM CDT
Last Updated 9 hours ago
By Simon Lewis and Luis Jaime Acosta
3 minute read
BOGOTA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Accountability for human rights abuses committed during Colombia's decades-long conflict and recent anti-government protests are critical to preventing future abuses, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to the Andean country on Wednesday. Blinken met Colombian President Ivan Duque ahead of talks with regional officials to discuss migration in the Americas.
"Accountability is critically important – accountability for the most grave human rights violations and abuses committed during the country's conflict, accountability for any abuses committed in response to protests earlier this year and of course accountability for those responsible for attacks on human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society leaders," Blinken said.
"Ending impunity as we know it is also one of the best ways to prevent more abuses going forward."
At least 29 people were killed in connection with protests against Duque's social and economic policies earlier this year, with many deaths blamed on excessive use of force by police.
More:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-top-diplomat-blinken-meets-colombias-duque-ahead-migration-talks-2021-10-20/
