EU Statement on death of human rights defender Orlando Valencia

The European Union strongly condemns the killing of Orlando Valencia of the Consejo Comunitario del Jiguamiando. Senor Valencia, who had campaigned for the resolution of difficulties facing the communities of Curvarado and Jiguamiando, was abducted and presumed murdered by members of a paramilitary group.

The exercise of free speech is essential in every democracy. The European Union therefore applauds the steps the Colombian authorities have already taken to investigate this killing and urges them to do everything necessary to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. We appeal to the government to further increase its efforts to provide protection for vulnerable communities throughout the country, to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of human rights defenders and to safeguard the right of all Colombians to speak freely and without fear.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration"


* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• EU Council Conclusions on Colombia (3/10/2005)