E/CN.4/1997/71/Add.1 page 3 Introduction A. Purposes of the mission 1. In accordance with his mandate as renewed by Commission on Human Rights resolution 1996/21 and approved by Economic and Social Council decision 1996/259, the Special Rapporteur visited Colombia from 28 June to 15 July 1996, by agreement with the Colombian Government. The purpose of the visit was to study, together with the Colombian authorities, the obstacles preventing the full implementation of measures to combat racism and racial discrimination. It also addressed the concerns of Colombian non-governmental organizations which had transmitted information to the Special Rapporteur concerning the persistence of racism and racial discrimination in various forms. 1 B. Conduct of the mission and working methods 2. The Special Rapporteur focused his attention primarily on the Afro-Colombian and Amerindian communities who, according to their own statements, are the communities most exposed to racism and racial discrimination. The Arabs or Turcos (“Turks”) 2 most of whom are of Lebanese origin, and the Jews are well integrated and have no problems of racism or racial discrimination. 3. The departments of Chocó and Nariño, which the Special Rapporteur visited, are among the poorest in the country and attest to the marginalized status of the Afro-Colombians and Amerindians. There is an astonishing lack of basic infrastructure in these departments and living conditions are precarious, unlike in the Andean region where most investment has been concentrated. In fact, it was not without danger that the Special Rapporteur reached the city of Buenaventura, department of Valle, after an epic journey over a narrow road (the only means of access) which wound through hills and valleys, highlighting the dilapidated state of part of this department. 4. The Special Rapporteur regrets not having been able to visit a resguardo 3 in order to familiarize himself with the living conditions of indigenous populations in rural areas, despite several applications to the Colombian authorities. A final attempt was made in Quibdo but was unsuccessful owing to the activities of guerrilla movements in the region. He nevertheless believes, on the basis of the testimony of the representatives of Amerindian organizations who met with him, that he acquired a sound understanding of the problems confronting the members of the indigenous communities. 5. The Special Rapporteur was accompanied by an official of the Centre for Human Rights and two interpreters from the United Nations Conference Services Division. The detailed programme of the visit, with the names of the people, institutions and organizations he met, appears in annex I of this report. 6. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his gratitude to the Colombian Government for the welcome it extended to him and for providing him with working conditions that enabled him to successfully conduct his mission by meeting high-level officials (ministers, heads of departments, ombudsmen,