37
V.
CONCLUSIONS
160.
Based on the considerations of fact and law contained in the present report, the
IACHR concludes that the State of Colombia has incurred international responsibility by having
violated, to the prejudice of Luis Gonzalo “Richard” Vélez Restrepo, Articles 5, 13, 17, 22.1, 8.1
and 25 of the American Convention, in conjunction with the general obligation of guarantee rights
enshrined in Article 1.1 of the said treaty. It has also violated Articles 5, 17, 22.1, 8.1 and 25 of
the Convention to the prejudice of Aracelly Román Amariles, Mateo Vélez Román and Juliana Vélez
Román and Article 19 of the Convention to the prejudice of Mateo and Juliana Vélez Román, all in
relation to Article 1.1.
VI.
RECOMMENDATIONS
161.
Based on the analysis and conclusions in the present report,
THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS RECOMMENDS THAT THE
STATE OF COLOMIBIA:
1.
Undertake, within a reasonable time and in the ordinary courts, a diligent
investigation of all the acts of violence and harassment against Luis Gonzalo “Richard” Vélez
Restrepo and his family, in order to identify, try and punish those responsible for the said acts;
2.
Undertake an investigation in order to identify those eventually responsible for the
deficiencies in the investigations and the omissions in the protection of Mr. Vélez and his family,
and to apply the corresponding administrative, disciplinary or other type of sanctions;
3.
Make holistic reparations to Luis Gonzalo “Richard” Vélez Restrepo and his family;
4.
Adopt the necessary measures to protect or ensure the Vélez Román family's
security in case they decide to return to Colombia on a temporary or permanent basis;
5.
Continue with the adoption and strengthening of the special programs to protect
journalists in danger and investigate crimes against them; and
6.
Provide instruction to the military forces on the role that journalists fulfill in a
democracy, and the right of journalists to cover freely and in conditions of security any situation
related to public order and armed conflict.