Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on the peace process in Colombia of the continuing existence of paramilitaries in regions such as Cauca; and if he will make a statement.

The FCO 2015 Human Rights and Democracy Report on Colombia stated that "security could worsen following signing of a peace deal, as illegal armed groups and criminals may fill the vacuum left by FARC’s demobilisation. Threats to land reform campaigners and HRDs may increase in the short term".

The presence of illegal armed groups across Colombia remains a concern, particularly in areas where the FARC will begin the process of disarmament. The UK's prioritises efforts to reduce impunity for human rights violations and abuses in our work with Colombia. It is in everyone's interest that the new peace agreement brings stability and prosperity to all of Colombia, including the people of Cauca.