Re: Lilia Solano, human rights activist
To: Senor President Alvaro Uribe Velez
From: Charles B. Davison, member of LRWC
Date: 2004-08-30
I am writing to you at this time concerning the situation of Lilia Solano. I understand that Ms. Solano has received a number of death threats since she and a colleague staged a protest in your national Congress, as a law granting immunity from prosecution to members of paramilitary allies of the armed forces was being debated. The offices of Proyecto Justicia y Vida, where Ms. Solano works, have also been under constant surveillance by unknown persons since the date of the protest.
We are extremely concerned for the life and well being of Ms. Solano and all who, like her, work and act to defend basic human rights of their fellow citizens. All too often, in the present climate in Colombia, we hear of human rights workers and groups which are targeted by the military, the police, and the paramilitary allies of both, which then leads to the disappearance of individual leaders and members.
We call for you to ensure that Ms. Solano and her co-workers are provided with effective protection so that they may continue their important work in defence of human rights in Colombia. We also call for a full, independent and impartial investigation into the threats against Ms. Solano, and that any person(s) found to be responsible be brought to justice in accordance with law. Finally, we call for you to lead your country towards full implementation of the principles recognized in various international treaties, declarations and protocols concerning the protection of those engaged in human rights works and activities.
