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	Colombia: UN experts call for ending violence against human rights defenders by Philip Alston United Nations   April 2008   A group of independent United Nations experts have called for urgent measures to protect those defending human rights in Colombia, following a recent surge in violence that includes killings, harassment and intimidation of civil society activists, trade union leaders and lawyers representing victims.   “We are deeply concerned by recent developments in Colombia indicating the deteriorating situation of human rights defenders in recent months,” the experts said in a statement issued today in Geneva.   The group reports that so far this year there have been 21 killings of trade unionists and civil society leaders and dozens of reports of death threats against activists and defenders allegedly perpetrated by new illegal armed groups.   The recent escalation in violence against human rights defenders “confirms the need for a vigorous and immediate reaction from the Government for the protection of defenders in Colombia,” they added.   While recognizing the measures taken by the Government to improve the security of human rights defenders, the group called for “more effective and consistent protection measures for defenders at risk as a matter of urgency.”   These include effective protection of defenders at risk, more efficient investigations and conclusive prosecutions of perpetrators, and more open and firm cross-party political support and recognition to defenders and their work.   “Concrete and concerted action is needed to stop the endemic impunity for the crimes and violations committed against human rights defenders,” said the experts, all of whom report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.   The statement was signed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, Hina Jilani; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston; and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Leandro Despouy. Visit the related web page
	Some States still do not recognize racism’s existence by Louise Arbour UN High Commissioner for Human Rights   April 2008   As preparatory meetings began in Geneva in preparation for next year’s review of the landmark 2001 global conference against racism, the top United Nations human rights official warned that some States still do not recognize the existence of racism as a phenomenon.   “National laws and measures to ensure its elimination in most countries are either inadequate or ineffective,” said High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour. “As a result, vulnerable groups continue to suffer aggression while abusers enjoy impunity.”   She added that few nations have implemented the necessary action plans to remedy this situation.   The process to prepare for the 2009 Durban Review Conference began in 2006, but its first substantive meeting was held by the Preparatory Committee today.   The Conference will assess progress and implementation at the regional, national and international levels of the Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by the 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.   “The Durban Review Conference is not, and should not be seen as, a repetition of the 2001 World Conference,” Ms. Arbour pointed out at the opening meeting of the Preparatory Committee. Instead, “it is a platform to evaluate progress, an opportunity to reinvigorate commitments, and a vehicle to fine-tune responses in a purposeful and contextual manner.”   According to Ms. Arbour’s Office progress since the 2001 meeting has been patchy.
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