The Committee considered Colombia’s second periodic report concerning articles 10-12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1990. Multiple issues regarding drugs and drug trafficking were discussed (paragraphs 177-178, 181-181, 203, 207, 211). The representative of Colombia conceded that armed opposition groups and drug traffickers were major obstacles to the realization of human rights in the country, but stated that the government was ‘waging an all-out war with a view to eliminating the drug trade’. Members of the Committee asked about the repercussions of drug trafficking as well as the measures the government was taking regarding current drug users. The Committee also wondered whether potential solutions could be found in ‘effective agrarian reform’ and in drawing the attention of major drug-consuming countries ‘to their international responsibility concerning drug trafficking’.
Citation: UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 'Consideration of the Report of Colombia' (1990) CESCR E/1990/23