The United Nations says human rights activists in Colombia are being persecuted and arbitrarily arrested by state security agencies. The UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders Margaret Sekaggya says the root problem is that rights activists are systematically stigmatised by government officials, who accuse them of being terrorists or colluding with guerrillas.

She noted that state security agencies are involved in human rights violations. The national intelligence agency DAS has been accused of eavesdropping on human rights campaigners, politicians, journalists and judges. More than 40 DAS agents are being investigated over the telephone-tap allegations.

United States Democratic lawmakers recently blocked a trade deal with Colombia following allegations that Colombian President Alvaro Uribe allowed trade union leaders to be persecuted with impunity.

On Thursday, President Uribe announced that the DAS should be dismantled. He said police would take over many of its activities. DAS chief Felipe Munoz has posted a statement on Colombia's presidential website announcing that the agency will be dissolved and replaced by "a new civilian intelligence agency".

(Photo UN)