United Nations Radio

While Colombia has made progress in implementing human rights policies, grave human rights challenges remain.

That's the assessment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay at the end of a six-day visit to the South American country during which she was briefed by government officials on progress made to promote accountability and respect for human rights across government agencies and within the armed forces.

Ms. Pillay acknowledged the efforts made by the Government to protect vulnerable groups in a country facing such a complex and multifaceted conflict.

The high commissioner reiterated the United Nations position that all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.

She said "the systematic, protracted and widespread taking of hostages, kept under the most inhuman conditions, could be considered as a crime against humanity."

She told a press conference held in her Office in Bogota. "We must ensure that following recent 'high level' releases, the plight of all other hostages is not forgotten."

Both in Bogota and Arauca, the High Commissioner heard testimony of many relatives who stated that their loved ones had been arrested and detained often for periods of two years or more on the basis of not always well founded accusations. Ms. Pillay cautioned against arbitrary detention and arrest, and urged relevant authorities to ensure that accusations made are well founded. She also expressed concern at other grave violations of international humanitarian law taking place in the context of the armed conflict.

This is Donn Bobb for United Nations Radio.

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