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Colombia: UN human rights expert to probe violence against women in conflict

Colombia: UN human rights expert to probe violence against women in conflict

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Radhika Coomaraswamy, is set to visit Colombia on the invitation of its Government to investigate violence against women in the country's armed conflict.

"I am very concerned about the level of violence against women in Colombia, but the fact that I am here means the Government is taking this issue seriously and wants to work towards solutions," said Ms. Coomaraswamy, who is scheduled to arrive in the country on 1 November and present her findings at a press conference a week later.

After beginning her visit in Bogotá, Ms. Coomaraswamy will visit Cali and Cartagena. During her mission, she will be meeting with government officials, UN representatives, human rights groups and women who have directly experienced war-related violence.

The Rapporteur is visiting Colombia and plans to collect information, discuss the problem with authorities and recommend solutions.

Ms. Coomaraswamy, a lawyer and a long-time women's rights advocate from Sri Lanka, has served as Special Rapporteur on violence against women since the UN Commission on Human Rights created the post in 1994.