- Checked Against Delivery -
Thank you, Mr. President,
And I also would like to thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing, and, as well, begin by congratulating the Colombian people for carrying out well conducted elections in June. A true commitment to democracy was demonstrated by the record-high voter participation and the peaceful conduct of the polls.
We further commend the outgoing Colombian Administration on their efforts to advance the peace process. Great strides were made, but more work lies ahead.
A cooperative transition to preserve the progress made under the Peace Agreement is crucial. We urge leaders to work across the political divides, avoid confrontational rhetoric, and maintain constructive channels of dialogue.
Mr. President,
Dedicated implementation of the Peace Agreement remains the only way to bring about sustainable peace across Colombia.
We welcome progress made, particularly on comprehensive rural reform, to address structural problems and advance security in rural areas. Expanding access to land, fostering economic growth, and extending State presence and public services will be essential to stabilise conflict-affected regions.
We call for continued progress on land delivery and formalisation, and the effective, well-coordinated implementation of national plans on rural reform.
Mr. President,
Addressing persistent violence and insecurity in conflict-affected areas remain an urgent priority. Armed groups competing for control of territory and illicit economies has led to violence and generated humanitarian crises across multiple rural departments.
We remain gravely concerned by the high levels of violence against social leaders and human rights defenders, mostly women, Afro-Colombian people and Indigenous peoples. Security guarantees must also be ensured for the more than 11,000 Former Combatants who laid down their arms.
The heightened violence in the southwestern regions in recent weeks is deeply alarming.
We condemn in the strongest terms the attack against civilians by the EMC on 25 April in Cauca, where an explosive device hit a passenger bus and other civilian vehicles.
We further deplore the grave violations against children in Colombia. More must be done to ensure the protection of children and prevent their recruitment into armed groups. We also call for continued implementation of the action plan on Women, Peace and Security, to address the worrying reports of conflict-related sexual violence.
Enhanced implementation of the Peace Agreement, including its gender-related provisions, will address much of the underlying causes of this violence, helping to fill security, governance and development vacuums across the country.
We also express our full support for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and call for accelerated efforts to deliver transitional justice and redress for the victims.
In closing, Mr. President
I want to reaffirm Denmark’s steadfast support to the people and the peace process in Colombia. We remain committed to working with Colombia as it continues on its path towards lasting and sustainable peace.
I thank you.
