New York, 30 January 2022 (TDI): The Head of the Security Council, Mona Juul (Norway), delivered a statement pertaining to the situation in Colombia. As part of their unwavering support for Colombia’s peace process, Security Council members reaffirmed their commitment.

During his visit to the country, the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres noted that the 5th anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement demonstrated the historic progress that had been achieved while acknowledging that there were still many challenges ahead.

As part of the celebration of the five-year anniversary, all parties emphasized the importance of consolidating progress and addressing challenges. According to the report, because Colombia is entering an election year, it is essential that the peace agreement be implemented continuously and comprehensively with the support of the United Nations system and the international community.

During their meeting, they agreed that this year would be crucial in fulfilling their mandates and reaffirmed their support for all three components of the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparations, and Non-Recurrence.

Moreover, they noted the progress made in the latest report of the Secretary-General, in collaboration with the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) and other stakeholders, to fulfill their mandate in relation to the verification of sentences that will be issued by the SJP.

Concern has been expressed by the Security Council over threats, attacks, and killings perpetrated against former FARC-EP members who have laid down their arms as part of the peace process, as well as community and social leaders, including women, indigenous people, and Afro-Colombian leaders.

While they remain concerned about the high level of insecurity in certain areas of the country, they have welcomed the increased implementation of security measures, which includes the work of the National Protection Unit.

However, they also urged the National Commission for Security Guarantees to take steps to dismantle illegal armed groups and increase state presence in conflict-affected areas.

It was proposed to continue the “Comprehensive Programme for Safeguarding Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders,” as well as to pay attention to the situation of children in conflict.

As a result of the efforts of the Security Council members, former combatants have continued to reintegrate into society.

Statement by the Security Council on Colombia
Statement by the Security Council on Colombia

The statement stressed the importance of providing land and housing, enhancing employment and training opportunities, and providing sufficient support to those outside of the former Territorial Areas for Training and Reintegration in order to ensure the sustainability of this process. Luz Marina Giraldo, a leader in the reintegration process, was recognized for her presentation.

The Security Council welcomed the preparations for the upcoming congressional and presidential elections and stressed the importance of all actors taking the appropriate steps to ensure a safe, peaceful, and inclusive vote, including the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women.

An emphasis was placed on the need for peaceful and inclusive preparations for the upcoming congressional and presidential elections, with women participating fully, equally, and meaningfully.

These considerations are particularly relevant to the 16 transitional electoral districts for peace, which were established in conflict-affected regions in order to give historically marginalized groups a voice in politics.

The Security Council reiterated its commitment to promoting a comprehensive implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, noting the Secretary-General’s observation that additional progress is necessary for all areas for the FPA to achieve its full potential, and stressing the need for expedited implementation of its ethnic and gender provisions.

Participants commended both parties for their commitment to the final peace agreement and encouraged them to continue the productive dialogue through the Commission for Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, as well as with entities such as the Special Instance on Women and the Special Instance on Ethnic Affairs.

They strongly backed the United Nations Verification Initiative’s complementary efforts. It was stressed that Colombia’s peace process continues to serve as an example of how armed conflicts can be resolved through dialogue.

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