Briefing Security Council, Special Representative in Colombia Stresses Importance of Implementing Peace Agreement, Continuing Dialogue with Armed Actors
The Final Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) remains as relevant today as the day it was signed, the Special Representative for the country told the Security Council today.
“Let 2024 be a year of implementation”, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative and the Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, said as he held up that country as a potential model for resolving conflicts in other parts of the world. As its Government continues its dialogue initiatives with other armed groups, the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, signed seven years ago in 2016, has become all the more crucial, he said.
Security is crucial for the success of any peace initiative, he emphasized, as he condemned the recent killing of four ex-combatants as well as crimes against social leaders. The high levels of violence generated by armed groups and criminal organizations means that communities in many regions are not able to enjoy their rights or live in security.
Commending the commitment to peace demonstrated by the vast majority of former FARC-EP members, he also highlighted the talks between the Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), as well as the implementation of the ongoing bilateral ceasefire. Colombia must generate a virtuous cycle by bolstering the implementation of the Agreement and continuing its dialogue with armed actors, he underscored.
Also addressing the Council was civil society representative Yolanda Perea Mosquera, who described herself as a rightsholder, whose experience of sexual violence during armed conflict mirrors that of 38,000 Colombian women. In a briefing that Council members subsequently commended for its many insights, she stressed: “I prefer an imperfect agreement rather than a permanent war.”
Calling for an end to the killings of human-rights defenders, social leaders, ethnic authorities and peace-agreement signatories, she noted that many of those who have been reintegrated — including children forced to take up arms —are still at risk. Guarantor and observer countries must strengthen their support, she said, drawing attention to the word “rejuntanza”, which means that any group of two or more people can either make war or build peace.
Ecuador’s delegate also highlighted the peace process in Colombia as an inspiring example of conflict resolution through dialogue. Calling on its Government to continue to bolster institutions that will guarantee the security and human rights of all Colombians, he said the implementation of comprehensive rural reform will be decisive in efforts to transform rural zones and areas affected by conflict.
Guyana’s delegate, who also spoke for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, pointed out that the issue of land is a crucial element in Colombia’s peace process. Therefore, the formalization of land ownership is crucial, she said, also commending the holding of elections on 29 October 2023 and the successful reintegration of former combatants. However, the Government must tackle the persistent challenges to security and intensify State presence in regions with increased criminal incidents, she said.
The representative of Switzerland, which is a guarantor country in the implementation of the Final Agreement, noted that “the current talks continue to bear fruit” with the stakeholders continuing to negotiate despite encountering difficulties. Calling on the parties to the current ceasefire agreements to renew them, she said the monitoring and verification of ceasefires have contributed to the de-escalation of bilateral hostilities.
Several delegates stressed the important role of the United NationsVerification Mission in Colombia in that regard. The representative of the Republic of Korea said that since the ceasefires and peace negotiations can contribute significantly to reducing violence, the latest expansion of the Mission’s mandate is essential for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire. France’s delegate expressed a willingness to consider broadening its role.
Without the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia organ, “peace would simply have remained an illusion”, Álvaro Leyva Durán, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, said, as he thanked the Council for extending its mandate for a further year. The Final Agreement is nothing other than the hope of women, men, fighters, bureaucrats, civil society and civilians, he said, adding that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace must comply with the standards laid out for it. It must respect its personal and material competencies, he said, adding that the mechanism can serve as a lesson regarding cases where norms established by authorities “become a guiding light for the whole world”.
Briefings
CARLOS RUIZ MASSIEU, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, pointed to the recent observance of the seventh anniversary of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, adding that despite obstacles, the country has the potential to be an example for conflict settings around the world. The Final Agreement, which provided a detailed road map for addressing the causes and consequences of conflict, remains as relevant today as the day it was signed. He also commended the strong national political will as well as support from the region and the international community, including the Council. The past year has shown clear links between the implementation of the Agreement and the Government’s dialogue initiatives with other armed actors. “Let 2024 be a year of implementation”, he said.
Highlighting the notable increase in land acquisition and formalization as a result of the prioritization of comprehensive rural reform, he said the recently launched National Agrarian Reform System has the potential to benefit peasant populations, ethnic peoples and rural women. Stressing that security is the basis for the successful development of any peace initiative, he condemned the recent killing of four ex-combatants as well as crimes against social leaders. Highlighting the steady progress within Colombia’s transitional justice system, he said its innovative structure combines both extrajudicial and judicial mechanisms and continues to further victims’ rights. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace continues to investigate and prosecute grave crimes committed during the conflict by former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP), members of the public security forces, other State agents and civilian third parties, while preparing for the issuance of its first restorative sentences, he said.
Applauding the continued commitment to peace demonstrated by the vast majority of former FARC-EP members, he said the Government’s multifaceted approach, with instruments such as the recently established Comprehensive Reintegration Programme, provides an opportunity to meet former combatants’ needs. Also noting the efforts of the National Reintegration Council to identify “special collective reintegration areas”, he said such efforts demonstrate a good level of cooperation between the parties. Highlighting the talks between the Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) and welcoming the agreements reached in the last negotiation cycle in Mexico in December 2023, he also welcomed talks between the Government and “the self-styled EMC FARC-EP.” The implementation of the ongoing bilateral ceasefire has brought about a level of trust necessary for the process to continue, he said, encouraging parties to maintain their efforts towards its consolidation.
However, the legitimate expectations of many communities for security and enjoyment of rights remain unmet in a number of regions, he added, due to the high levels of violence generated by disputes between armed groups and the presence of criminal organizations. The new year has seen the entry into office of hundreds of new regional and local authorities elected in the local elections last October, including an Afro-Colombian ex-combatant combatant who was elected as mayor. Stressing the importance of guaranteeing the protection of local authorities, he said a comprehensive security system is essential for this. It is crucial to reinforce the progress made so far through better implementation of the Agreement and dialogue with other armed actors. These are mutually reinforcing, and can generate a virtuous cycle, he said, adding that the Council’s planned visit to Colombia is a crucial symbol of its continued engagement with that country.
YOLANDA PEREA MOSQUERA, representing civil society, stated that she is a victim and survivor of sexual violence during armed conflict, having suffered an abortion and the killing of her mother at the age of 11. She stressed, however, that she was not speaking as a victim — but a rightsholder — to describe the situation faced by over 38,000 victims of sexual violence in Colombia. While being a social leader in that country is one of the most dangerous jobs due to constant threats and attacks, she said that “it is always possible to find the strength we need to participate and propose positive change for our communities”. However, killings of human-rights defenders, social leaders, ethnic authorities and peace-agreement signatories must stop. On that, she reported that violence in communities has not ceased, and those who have been reintegrated — particularly children forced to take up arms and those who suffered from sexual violence — are still at risk and stigmatized.
Underscoring that “this is why” the 2016 peace agreement is fundamental, she called for its implementation as a basis for “total peace”. Despite the signing of that instrument, there is still no true, stable, lasting peace for civilians — including ethnic communities, peasants, women and youth, who are always the worst-affected. Guarantor and observer countries must strengthen their support to ensure that sufficient resources are available to comprehensively implement the peace agreement — particularly the ethnic chapter and provisions relating to victims, rural reform and gender. Welcoming the signing of a pact to speed up implementation of the ethnic chapter, she called on Colombia Vice-President Francia Márquez to ensure this occurs. Underscoring that, as a direct victim, she did not watch the war on television — “I lived it myself” — she stressed: “I prefer an imperfect agreement rather than a permanent war.”
She went on to state that women — committed to peace, resisting all forms of violence — call for the full implementation of the peace agreement. For this to happen, she urged support for the Government in achieving “total peace” with the armed actors operating in Colombia. She also underlined the need for a ceasefire that covers all forms of violence — particularly against ethnic communities, women and girls. Further, she invited those present to promote implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) — as well as its national action plan — in Colombia to consolidate the participation, protection and leadership of women and youth in building and sustaining peace. Noting that the cloth hanging behind her was made by survivors of sexual violence, she said that the goal is to make the biggest quilt in the world “to give visibility to violence in armed conflict and to weave hope”. She added that the word rejuntanza means that any group of two or more people can either make war or build peace, emphasizing that rejuntanza is a way to peace and transformation.
Statements
JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom) welcomed Colombia’s commitment to accelerate implementation of the ethnic chapter, including initiatives on access to land and reintegration. He urged further steps to ensure 60 per cent of the ethnic chapter is implemented by 2026, as agreed in the recent Government pact. Full implementation of the gender and ethnic provisions of the Final Agreement are essential to address the drivers of inequality and protect vulnerable groups, including Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. However, he expressed strong concern over violence against peace signatories, human rights defenders, women and social leaders, drawing attention to three reported killings of peace signatories and human rights defenders in 2024. Security guarantees are an essential component to the Final Agreement underpinning progress in all other chapters, including reintegration, for which the recently approved Comprehensive Reintegration Programme is a welcome step. Further, he welcomed the Government’s commitment to expanding peace through dialogue, noting the intention to extend the ceasefire with ELN.
JOSÉ JAVIER DE LA GASCA (Ecuador), noting the sustained efforts made by Colombia towards peace and national reconciliation in the seven years since the signing of the Final Agreement, said the peace process in that country is an inspiring example of conflict resolution through dialogue. While commending the commitment of the Government as well as FARC-EP, he expressed concern about the violence and threats against social leaders and ex-combatants. It is crucial to continue to bolster intuitions that will guarantee the security and human rights of all Colombians. The implementation of comprehensive rural reform will be decisive in efforts to transform rural zones and areas affected by conflict, he added. Also calling for respect for diversity, he said the implementation of the ethnic chapter of the Final Agreement will be a significant step in that regard. The role of women and young people is equally crucial, he said, also welcoming the talks between the Government and various armed groups. It is essential to eradicate kidnappings, he said, and called on the Council to continue to support Colombia’s efforts.
CAROLYN RODRIGUES-BIRKETT (Guyana), also speaking for Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, acknowledged efforts by the Colombian Government and people to promote peace and stability in the country after decades of armed conflict. On that, she welcomed the formalization of land ownership — as the issue of land is a crucial element in the country’s peace process — along with the holding of elections on 29 October where more than one half of eligible voters exercised their civic rights. Noting that successful reintegration of former combatants involves the creation of better, sustainable living conditions for them and their families, she observed that almost 80 per cent of such individuals are participating in productive projects. This demonstrates that the Government is increasingly committed to complying with the peace agreement as permitted by its capabilities. However, despite the Government’s efforts, there are still challenges relating to the peace process.
On that, she expressed regret over persistent armed attacks on civilians, as well as over the persecution of those who dedicate their efforts to defend the rights of entire communities. The security situation continues to be of great concern — threatening full implementation of the peace agreement — she said, spotlighting ongoing security challenges, particularly in regions with limited State presence. Against this backdrop, she urged the Government to accelerate implementation of vital components of the peace agreement such that concrete economic results are realized in the lives of former combatants. Further, she called on the Government to intensify State presence in regions with increased criminal incidents, also encouraging the international community, the UN and its partners to support the Government’s efforts to consolidate and stabilize peace in Colombia.
GENG SHUANG (China) recalled that, over the past year, all parties in Colombia have worked together to translate into action the firm determination to consolidate peace. In implementing the Final Agreement, more positive results have been achieved, he said, commending the Government’s increasing investments in rural reform, land distribution and reintegration of former combatants. On the promotion of new progress in dialogue and negotiations, he welcomed the fifth round of peace talks between the Colombian Government and ELN. He expressed hope that all parties will observe the ceasefire agreement, reduce conflict and violence, and consolidate the achievement already made in the previous rounds of peace talks. On promoting new achievements in the security arena, he said the country’s civilians remain exposed to security threats and the Colombian Government is taking effective measures to protect them.
SHINO MITSUKO (Japan), stressing that security, human rights and inclusivity are essential to sustain peace, noted that all these are fundamental to Colombia’s total peace policy. It is crucial to protect and integrate all individuals, including those in the most vulnerable situations, she said, adding that ensuring security and justice will enable them to exercise their full potential. Welcoming the progress made in planning and designing several areas of the Final Agreement, such as the protection and reintegration process and the promotion of ethnic and gender equality, she said: “Now implementation is key.” Urging all stakeholders to cooperate, she highlighted the Mission’s support for the Government’s efforts. Condemning violence perpetrated by gangs and criminal actors, she said dialogue is crucial for tackling this and welcomed the Government’s negotiations with ELN and with other armed groups.
PASCALE CHRISTINE BAERISWYL (Switzerland) underscored that a strategic, holistic and inter-institutional approach, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, is essential to the success of the Final Agreement as well as to the total peace policy. “The current talks continue to bear fruit,” she said, noting that the parties to the peace negotiations continue to negotiate despite the difficulties encountered. Further, the monitoring and verification of ceasefires have contributed to the de-escalation of bilateral hostilities. In this respect, she called on the parties to the current ceasefire agreements, whose respective engagements expire in January 2024, to renew them and to consider integrating multilateral elements to strengthen their effects. Turning to the protection of civilians, she stressed that guarantees of their participation in the peace process, the reintegration of ex-combatants and the prevention of the recruitment and use of children by armed groups must remain at the centre of everyone’s concerns.
ANNA M. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) said that the Final Peace Agreement remains the “bedrock” for national reconciliation and post-conflict reform in Colombia. The Government has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to fully implement that instrument, including through consistent efforts to effect land reform. However, greater effort is needed to reinforce State institutions on the ground, implement drug substitution and facilitate the socioeconomic and political reintegration of former rebels. Also expressing concern that violence against those participating in peacebuilding remains “staggeringly high”, she called on national authorities to ensure appropriate security guarantees for signatories to the peace agreement. It is nevertheless welcome that the Government is firmly committed to dialogue and has not devolved into the confrontation or military rhetoric that were features of the previous Administration. She added that it would be useful for Colombian authorities to provide the Council with information regarding objectives and challenges relating to its peacebuilding efforts — and, most importantly, offer a timeline for the same.
ELISABETH MILLARD (United States), underscoring the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and adopting a survival-centred approach, voiced strong support for the continued implementation of the 2016 peace accord which is vital to Colombia’s progress towards justice. In this context, she noted with concern the persistent delays in the issuance of restorative sentences and called on all parties to make progress in these efforts. Further, she welcomed the continued dialogue between Colombia’s Government and ELN. However, she expressed regret that violence among the actors in several regions has limited the humanitarian impact of the ceasefire. Past peace processes have made clear that a security strategy is crucial to pressure illegal armed groups to negotiate in good faith, she emphasized, also noting that, despite progress between the Government and FARC-EP, the Final Agreement still lacks maturity.
JOONKOOK HWANG (Republic of Korea) reaffirmed support for the Mission’s tireless efforts in monitoring and verifying the implementation of the Final Agreement. In order to establish and consolidate sustainable peace, it is imperative to implement comprehensive rural reform and the empowerment of marginalized populations, including peasant farmers, women, Indigenous People and Afro-Colombians. “The Republic of Korea is a country with our own first-hand experience in rural land reform and development,” he said, noting that his country has been a key development partner and donor for several important projects in Colombia. Calling for immediate and effective measures to halt persistent violence on former combatants, social leaders, women and girls, and people with diverse ethnic orientations, he reaffirmed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and welcomed the recent rounds of peace talks between the Colombian Government and ELN. Since the ceasefires and peace negotiations that are under way can contribute significantly to reducing violence, the latest expansion of the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia is essential for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire, he said.
SAMUEL ZBOGAR (Slovenia), stressing the need to prioritize the full and successful implementation of the Final Agreement, noted the progress made thus far, particularly in advancing a comprehensive rural reform. Also noting the successful enactment of the agreements between the Government and the ELN, he expressed concern about the violent attacks perpetrated by armed and criminal groups that continue to impact Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. Encouraging the Government to ensure the integrated presence of State institutions and services, he said the increase of multiple forms of violence against women is particularly worrying. Effectively preventing, addressing and combating such violence as well as adopting a survivor-centred approach is imperative. Also drawing attention to the intersection between conflict, peace and environment, he said deforestation stemming from the activities of armed and criminal groups as well as widespread landmine contamination is affecting communities and natural ecosystems.
FRANCESCA MARIA GATT (Malta) welcomed the prioritization of the ethnic chapter, with the commitment to have at least 60 per cent implemented by 2026. This is critically important in light of the disproportionate impact of violence and child recruitment faced by Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. She also called for continued efforts to provide access to land for groups in vulnerable situations and underscored the importance of women’s participation in the ongoing dialogue. Stressing the need to ensure greater protection of civilians, she said persistent violence continues to hinder the implementation of key aspects of the Final Agreement. Additionally, the lack of security guarantees in several regions of Colombia have hindered the transition of former combatants to civilian life. Ex-combatants, human rights defenders and Indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders continue to face violent attacks and targeted killings. Turning to the impact of sexual and gender-based violence in Colombia, she said perpetrators must be brought to justice.
NATHALIE BROADHURST ESTIVAL (France), Council President for January, speaking in her national capacity, commended Colombia’s negotiations with armed groups and the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement. Welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire until 15 January, she said these developments should help ensure that the affected communities can finally live in peace. Also commending the Mission’s role in supporting the implementation of the Final Agreement, she said France is ready to consider broadening its role. Looking forward to the conclusions of the Human Rights Council-mandated international human rights expert tasked with identifying obstacles to the implementation of the Agreement, she said the Council’s forthcoming visit to Colombia in early February will enable it to deliver the most appropriate support for its peace efforts. Calling on the country’s authorities to spare no efforts with regard to land reform and transitional justice, she said gender equality is key for the success of this process.
ÁLVARO LEYVA DURÁN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, thanked the Council for extending the UN Verification Mission in Colombia for a further year, stressing that without the organ “peace would simply have remained an illusion”. Turning to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace — whose norms, existence and functioning arise from the content of the Final Peace Agreement — he pointed out that it is an internationalized mechanism because it was fostered by the Council itself. As such, the mechanism must respect its personal and material competencies, and it is not possible to fragment this jurisdiction. However, he said that the Special Jurisdiction can still serve as a model, adding that: “Perhaps its derailments can serve as a lesson regarding cases where norms established by authorities increase in stature and become a guiding light for the whole world”. He also noted that it is “worth thinking about” a tribunal or hybrid court that could give a second chance to those who aspire to return to Colombia.
He went on to say that he was discussing this because the Council is a “guarantor of peace” and a reference point for the relevant agreements. Colombia has shown that it is committed to peace with the Council at its side — “brothers along this path”, he said — stressing that the peace agreement is nothing other than the hope of women, men, fighters, bureaucrats, civil society and civilians. The true face of all these individuals has always been that of peace, which is also the face of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendants, women and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It is a face that must be underpinned by a Special Jurisdiction for Peace that “fearlessly complies with the standards laid out for it”, he said, while reiterating the Government’s commitment to build a strong, just and resilient country where “protection of life is the founding element”. Welcoming the Council’s upcoming February visit, he emphasized: “We will be waiting for you with open arms.”
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15563.doc.htm
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