Sample Letter to Foreign Ministers

Dear Foreign Minister:

I have followed with concern reports of continuing links between Colombia's military and the illegal paramilitary groups responsible for most human rights violations in that country. The government's failure to address this problem raises serious questions about the commitment of Colombia's leaders to protecting human rights.

I urge you to bring up these links in your meetings with Colombian officials, including military officers. The role that countries like yours play in promoting human rights is fundamental. The Colombian government should aggressively move to sever these ties and make sure that the individuals responsible for atrocities, including the military officers who organize or tolerate them, are brought to justice.

I also believe that is critical for the allies of the United States to emphasize with American diplomats and policy makers the importance of keeping human rights a central focus of their foreign policy.

Yours sincerely,

Home | About Us | News Releases | Publications | About HRW | Info by Country | Global Issues | Campaigns | Free Mailing Lists | Community | Store | Film Festival | Search | Site Map | Contact Us | Press Contacts | Privacy Policy