Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
I also would like to thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing.
I would also like to welcome Minister Bula to the meeting.
Let me begin by sending our sympathies to the Colombian people affected by the devastating earthquake in August. We express our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and solidarity to those still searching for the missing.
Madam President, allow me to make three points.
First,
Next month marks a significant milestone in Colombia’s peace process, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Peace Agreement. We congratulate the Colombian people for their dedication in the pursuance of lasting peace.
Looking ahead, implementation in this crucial period will be key to consolidate and build on the progress achieved over the last decade.
Continued efforts to ensure the safe reintegration of former combatants will be essential for sustaining confidence in the peace process.
Second,
The high levels of insecurity in conflict-affected areas in Colombia remain deeply concerning.
We are alarmed by the escalating violence against civilians, including social leaders, human rights defenders, Afro-Colombians, and Indigenous Peoples. Women also face threats, restrictions of their movement, and gender-based violence. A sharp increase in grave violations against children is also cause for alarm.
This reporting period also marked 500 verified killings of former combatants since the signing of the Agreement.
Armed groups continue to exert control in many regions, holding communities hostage to their illicit economies, as also highlighted by the minister. These groups also deploy new technologies such as drone attacks and use social media for intimidation and recruitment, including of children.
Responding effectively to this insecurity requires a holistic and human rights-based approach. This includes coordination between security efforts, development, and the expansion of state presence and services into these regions. The instruments and commitments already established under the Peace Agreement remain strategically relevant to achieving these aims.
Continued implementation of rural reform will also contribute to consolidating peace and security, strengthening economic development, and addressing conditions that sustain illicit economies.
Third,
Denmark welcomes the landmark restorative sentences that began last month as laid down by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
It is a pivotal moment for Colombia’s transitional justice process as former FARC-EP commanders and army officers, who acknowledged responsibility for crimes during the conflict, begin serving their restorative sentences.
Ensuring the delivery of these sentences will advance the rights of victims and pave the way for truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition.
We encourage continued investment in these critical transitional justice mechanisms to bring about sustainable peace and security.
Madam President, in closing,
As this is Denmark’s final quarterly session on Colombia, I want to express our unwavering support and solidarity to the Colombian people.
The path to peace will not be without obstacles. But we are confident that, with the determination and resilience of the Colombian people, the sustained commitment of the government, and support of international partners, Colombia can build the lasting peace and prosperity its people deserve.
Let me also express our full support for the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, which remains a crucial tool to advance the peace process. We look forward to working with Council members on the renewal of its important mandate this month.
Thank you.
