October 18, 1996

Mr. President:

             I have the honor to inform you that, pursuant to Article 63(2) of the American Convention on Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, meeting at its 93rd. Regular Session, decided to request the Illustrious Court to take provisional measures on behalf of the wife and children of Mr. José Giraldo Cardona, a lawyer and President of the Human Rights Committee of the Department of El Meta, and on behalf of the committee members and other persons under serious threat of death as a result of the murder of Mr. José Giraldo-Cardona on October 13, 1996.  We are making this request inasmuch as the precautionary measures sought by the Commission from the Government of Colombia on behalf of Mr. Giraldo-Cardona and the members of the El Meta Committee, pursuant to Article 29 of its Regulations, have had no effect.

             In accordance with the decision of the Commission, I am pleased to submit a copy of the aforementioned resolution issued today and request that you take appropriate action.

             Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                          Jorge E. Taiana

                                                                                                                                       Executive Secretary

Dr. Héctor Fix-Zamudio

President

Inter-American Court of Human Rights

San José, Costa Rica