New York (TDI): During the Security Council Briefing on Colombia on April 22, 2025, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, said that inclusive dialogue, justice, and a sense of national ownership can bring lasting peace in Colombia.
Ambassador Asim began by appreciating the support the United Nations has extended so far to the Colombian Government, “We commend the work of UN Verification Mission in supporting the Colombian government for the implementation of key aspects of the 2016 Peace Agreement.”
“We welcome Colombian government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, to bring transparency, and to align its policies to meet the socio-economic and security needs of local communities, including through the Rapid Response Plan,” he added.
Inclusive dialogue essential for lasting peace in Columbia: Pakistan
Our Press Release today@Asimiahmad @PakistanPR_UN pic.twitter.com/Ik09L72zOm
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) April 22, 2025
The Ambassador noted that the implementation timeline, spanning fifteen years, of the Colombian Peace Agreement of 2016 has crossed the halfway already and yet the signs of lasting peace present a “mixed picture.”
“… structural and security-related challenges continue to hamper progress in critical areas, including the reintegration and security guarantees for former FARC combatants and the functioning of transitional justice mechanisms,” he stressed.
He acknowledged that the Colombian Government is making efforts toward inclusivity and transparency and noted the absence of state’s institutional presence in some areas as a major drawback to peace.
“Ensuring the safety and security of all Colombians remains central to the success of the 2016 Peace Agreement… We urge all parties to respond positively to the government’s outreach, renounce violence in all its forms, and recommit to dialogue—without preconditions, and with full respect for the Constitution and national laws,” Ambassador Asim added.
Read More: UNSC Mission evaluates peace progress in Colombia
He concluded his remarks by mentioning Pakistan’s stance of supporting peace process in the South American country, which is ridden by conflict since 1964.
“… lasting peace in Colombia requires inclusive dialogue, development, and justice—anchored in national ownership and belief,” he asserted.
Colombia’s conflict started with two guerrilla fighting groups – the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Army of National Liberation (ELN). It is one of the world’s longest-running civil wars.
The Government has been able to conclude a peace agreement with FARC in November 2016. Separate arrangements with ELN have also been initiated by the country’s Government but the fighter groups have not fully given up their arms and the fighting rekindles now and then.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
