The chief negotiator may have more specific comments on the question of how an FTA might accelerate conditions that would permit a greater scope for rule of law and good governance in the country, but that's certainly a view we subscribe to.
I can address your most specific question about human rights, and particularly its impact on the judicial system that prevails in Colombia. I would step back and say this is an enormously complex situation the Colombian government is addressing. We're looking at the single longest-running civil conflict in the Americas, over 40 years in duration. The Uribe government has certainly taken important steps. Looking at it over the seven years of government to date, we see that the direction is very much one we support.
I agree with your point that there is a requirement here for Canada, engaging on commercial investment, to continue to insist with the government that best efforts be made on a range of issues. I think we also have to give credit where credit is due to the Colombian government for efforts that have been undertaken.
You mentioned some of the problems with the demobilization of paramilitaries, and others have been mentioned here. This is an issue created by a government that is taking steps to deal with an inherently difficult problem in Colombia. The Uribe government has taken important steps in the reform of the justice system at the constitutional level. It has moved to the introduction of an accusatory criminal regime. Oral judgments are used at the legal level. It has reinforced the budgets the judicial system has to operate on. Impunity and threats to lawyers, judges, and those who operate in the judicial system remain a very real problem and one that we want to help them address, because to do so deals very much with the climate of impunity that exists in the country. You're addressing a very important question.
As Carol cited the Prime Minister to say, it's not by any means an issue that's been put to bed, although the overall performance is much better than it has been. In this, there are still areas where we want to see them continue to advance, and Canada is playing a role. I can cite at a later time a number of programs we're involved with, including our refugee program.
I would note it interesting that over one-quarter of the refugees who come to Canada on a worldwide basis are coming from Colombia. Far from the Colombian government's viewing that as an insult, it's viewed as an important safety valve in that society, where individuals who are under threat from the left, the right, and different sectors have been able to find safe refuge here, as has been our tradition in Canada.