03.10.2025 Denmark's Statement for Briefing & Consultations on Colombia

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And allow me also to wish you the best in your presidency in October and to warmly thank the Republic of Korea for their excellent handling of the presidency in September. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary General Jenča for his briefing, and wish him the best of luck in his new role as Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Colombia in this meeting.

President,

Denmark commends the resolve and determination of the Colombian people on their path to peace. Nearly nine years since the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement, there has been significant progress made. We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to this roadmap. 

Allow me to focus on three key areas.

First, despite progress made, greater focus and resources must be given to ensure the full implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Denmark welcomes the Colombian Government’s commitment to comprehensive rural reform.

However, challenges remain. Budgetary constraints and insufficient coordination between state institutions have limited the overall transformation of rural territories that is critical for sustainable peace.

Extending State presence, public investment, and services into marginalised

rural areas are urgent priorities. This would offer viable alternatives to illegal economies.

We encourage enhanced State coordination across all chapters of the Peace Agreement to accelerate implementation.

Second, to echo Special Representative Jenča, insecurity and violence remain a constant cause for concern.

Communities in conflict-affected areas suffer serious abuses at the hands of illegal groups. These include deaths and injuries, forced displacement, confinement, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment and use of children. Such abuses must cease immediately, and all perpetrators held accountable.

We are deeply concerned by the high levels of violence against human rights defenders, including women, and those from Indigenous, and Afro-Colombian communities. The discovery of a mass grave in Calamar in July underscores the urgency for the protection of vulnerable groups.

Former combatants who have laid down their arms and committed to the peace process must be protected. They need to be given the opportunity for their safe and timely reintegration.

We call on the Government to urgently extend State presence into conflict-affected areas. Efforts must be accelerated on security guarantees, such as the public policy aimed at dismantling illegal armed groups and criminal organizations.

Ensuring security for the upcoming elections early next year is vital for Colombia’s democracy. And we strongly condemn all forms of political violence.

Third, Denmark commends the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, on Case 1 and Case 3.

This is a pivotal and long-awaited moment. A historic step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It is crucial that sentenced individuals fully comply with their sentences and remain committed to peace.

Translating these sentences into restorative actions must be done without delay.  We call on the Colombian Government to ensure necessary conditions are provided, particularly funding and security guarantees.

In closing,

Let me reiterate Denmark’s steadfast support to Colombia’s peace process. Now more than ever, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia remains a crucial tool of this Council and the parties to the Agreement to ensure compliance and build trust.

Denmark looks forward to working with Council members for a timely renewal of the Mission’s mandate at the end of this month.

The path to peace is not always straightforward and not without turns. The United Nations and international community must continue to stand by Colombia in its peacebuilding, to ensure sustainable and lasting peace for its people. 

I thank you.