PRESS RELEASE

Nº 15/04

INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

CONDEMNS FARC-PERPETRATED MASSACRE IN TIBÚ

          The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the killing of 34 civilians, including two children aged 15 and 17, on June 15, 2004, in La Gabarra, Tibú municipality, Department of Santander, Republic of Colombia.  Officials have attributed the massacre to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

          The killing of defenseless civilians violates the most basic rules of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.  In light of available information on the circumstances surrounding the La Gabarra massacre, the Commission reiterates its condemnation of the acts of violence intended to terrorize the civilian population and is confident that the State will take all necessary steps to investigate the facts and to prosecute and punish the perpetrators.

Washington, D.C., June 16, 2004