The release took place yesterday in a rural area of Nariño, the humanitarian organization told the press.

“Our commitment is and will continue to be to contribute to the preservation of the lives and protection of people who do not or no longer participate in hostilities, such as those who are in the power of an armed actor,” Michael Pfister, head of the ICRC office in the department of Pasto, said.

He assured that thanks to the trust placed in the Committee by the parties, it is able to carry out this type of activities.

He stressed that international humanitarian law applies to all parties to an armed conflict, even when there are ceasefires, and reminded all armed actors of their unrestricted obligation to respect it.

“The protection and safeguarding of the communities and individuals most affected by conflicts and protected by international humanitarian law is our main objective. We therefore reiterate our readiness to act as a neutral intermediary and to continue to participate in this type of humanitarian activity,” Pfister added.

The ICRC told the press that so far this year, it has facilitated the release of 47 people.

ef/jav/mgt/otf