Sample Letter to Foreign Ministers

Dear Foreign Minister:

I read with concern reports about continuing violations of international humanitarian law by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP). These violations include abductions and the extrajudicial executions of civilians, the cruel and inhumane treatment of captured combatants, the use of indiscriminate weapons, hostage-taking, attacks on medical workers and health facilities, the use of child soldiers, and the forced displacement of civilians.

Your country is one of eight nations that have agreed to send observers to Colombia to facilitate the progress of talks between the Colombian government and guerrillas. I urge you to instruct your representative to raise this issue directly with FARC-EP commander Manuel Marulanda and urge him to adopt measures that would ensure that the forces under his command respect international humanitarian law.

Immediate action to end abuses is an essential foundation for any peace. As a leader in the international community, I hope that your country will send a clear message to the FARC-EP that these violations are simply unacceptable.

Yours sincerely,

• Click here for the addresses of the Foreign Ministers.

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