Embassy of the United States

Virtual Embassy

Political Section - Text

Hello.  I’m here to describe the functions of the Political Section in the U.S. Embassy to Colombia and its role in the interagency and bilateral relationships.  I’ll also spend time describing Plan Colombia and its results.

• The Political Section coordinates U.S. policy towards Colombia 
• The Section serves as the formal interlocutor with the Government of Colombia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• It advocates for U.S. foreign policy with the Government of Colombia
• Interprets local political events and developments for Washington
• Ensures the Embassy’s compliance with Leahy human rights vetting requirements
• Monitors the results of Plan Colombia



• Plan Colombia has become one of the greatest bipartisan and bilateral nation-building success stories of the past ten years. 
• By every measurable trend line – economy, trade, development, drugs, security, terrorism, human rights, rule of law – Colombia is a better country and partner than it was ten years ago.
• Over time, Plan Colombia goals have evolved.  They now include:  
  • Fighting narcotrafficking and narcoterrorism
  • Strengthening democratic institutions
  • Protecting Human Rights
  • Supporting the Justice and Peace process
  • Facilitating judicial reform
  • Providing alternative development programs that promote sustainable economic growth, and 
  • Offering services to vulnerable populations such as indigenous, afro-colombians, and internally displaced. 
  
  
  
• Plan Colombia has supported Colombian efforts to guarantee a secure, democratic, and prosperous society. 
• The United States Government has provided more than $6 billion dollars in assistance, including more than $1 billion dollars in economic and social assistance.
• This strong bilateral and collaborative partnership has achieved landmark results. 
  • Since 2002, homicides have declined 40% to the lowest point in 20 years
  • Kidnappings are down 76% 
  • And for the first time in years – even decades – the Colombian National Police have a presence in every municipality in the country
  • Over 48,000 members of illegal groups, primarily right-wing paramilitaries, have demobilized.  
  • Military victories against FARC led to a record number of FARC deserters in 2008, including some high level commanders
  
  
  
• Improved security has grown the economy, reduced poverty, and attracted record levels of foreign direct investment. 
• Because of its successes many of Colombia’s neighbors in Latin America are seeking technical assistance in combating drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and crime.

As the primary monitor of the human rights situation in Colombia, the Political Section is responsible for drafting the annual human rights report and contributing to the Trafficking in Persons report and the annual certification on human rights. 

• An emphasis on human rights permeates the entire bilateral relationship and Colombia has publicly committed to improving its human right performance
• Colombian policies to improve respect for human rights have led to significant progress, but human rights violations do remain a serious problem
• To improve human rights protections - the United States and Colombia have implemented several Judicial Reform projects, including:
  • Assisting in the transition to a new accusatory system 
  • Creating a special unit within the Prosecutor General’s office to expand human rights investigations and prosecutions
  • Supporting Justice and Peace investigations and prosecutions, and 
  • Working with the Ministry of Defense to improve rules of engagement and make sure that soldiers accused of human rights abuses are investigated by civilian prosecutors
• With U.S. assistance, the Colombian government has expanded its protection program for human rights activists, unionists, and other vulnerable individuals.  Murders of trade unionists, including teachers, fell 79% from 2002 to 2007, down to 39 from 186. 



• Despite these exceptional results, significant challenges remain.
  • Drug trafficking organizations and illegal armed groups continue to operate in large parts of the country.
  • There are over 3 million internally displaced people.
  • Some elements of the security forces continue to commit human rights abuses or to collaborate with criminal groups, and 
  • Labor violence and impunity remain areas of concern. 
• Our goal now is the help Colombia consolidate the progress made in our ten years of joint efforts and to effectively tackle the remaining challenges.
• The United States will continue to work with Colombia to consolidate gains, protect human rights, enhance security, expand the rule of law, and reduce poverty. 
• Colombia is a strong partner – and even as Plan Colombia goals may evolve over time – we anticipate our excellent bilateral relationship to continue