Permanent Mission of Colombia on Item IV Good afternoon. In accordance with the Declaration the current government has undertaken efforts in a number of areas, including financial and legal areas. We have adopted regulations and laws to strengthen protection of the rights of minorities. This includes the recognition of their legal status as well as their participation of hundreds of indigenous groups and afro-descendant and other communities in public life. There are a number of cultural expressions at the national level. These have been recognised by UNESCO. And minorities have been strongly represented in Colombian culture. Law number 70 is currently being promoted in the government and it recognises the rights of afro-descendant communities in the country. Columbia also has a law to protect linguistic diversity, this protects the population that speak some 65% languages in the country. We have recognised and adopted provisions against racism and discrimination. We have also adopted a declaration on African heritage and this has been supported by UNESCO as well. We have constitutional provisions to recognise the rights of minorities. This includes a number of programs that are promoted by the office of the President and developed in cooperation with the afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. These identities have been strengthened through the implementation of a number of different programs. And this has ensured that political figures and others holding public office pay a role in these efforts, and in doing so, this helps to ensure recognition of the diversity of minorities in the country. The Government of Colombia has also advanced its national development plan for minorities. It has established specific budgets for minorities and has done so at the state and other levels. Thank you.

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