ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 
CHAIRMAN

20 April 1998

Distinguished delegates,

Four weeks ago this Commission adopted the report of the working 
group which had drafted a Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. 
We were all very pleased at this achievement but I think we 
understood that our adoption of such a fine Declaration did not make 
a real difference for those who risk their lives defending human 
rights. 

I was deeply concerned over the assassination of Colombian human 
rights defender Eduardo Umana Mendoza, this past Saturday, 18 
April 1998 in Bogota. Mr Umana participated actively in many 
sessions of the Commission on Human Rights.

Killings of human rights defenders are always regrettable. At the 
time when the Commission has adopted a Declaration on their rights, 
this is especially so.

I would ask that the Commission rise and observe one minute's 
silence in commémoration of Mr Umana.

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20 April, 1.998

Statement by Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 

On Saturday last one of Colombia's leading human rights activists, Mr. 
Eduardo Umaña Mendoza, was assassinated in his office. He was the 
third Colombian human rights defender to be killed in the past two 
months. On this sad occasion, I wish to send my condolences to the 
family of Mr Umaiia and to all Colombians who drew strength from 
his courage and commitment to human rights.

A distinguished lawyer, Mr Umaña was recognised in Colombia and 
intemationally as an advocate for the oppressed and for the victims 
of human rights violations. Like most human rights defenders his 
causes were unpopular - guerilla leaders, indigenous people, trade 
unionists and the families of the "disappeared".

Mr. Umaña's death and the deaths of others in Colombia highlight in 
the most tragic manner the urgency of putting into practice the 
principles of the draft Declaration of Human Rights Defenders. I urge 
the Government in Bogota and governments around the world to 
implement measures which enhance the security of those who fight 
to protect human rights.