18.07.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on Colombia

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And like others, I would like thank Special Representative Massieu for his briefing, and for his extraordinary service to the people of Colombia for these last six years. I also welcome the participation of Colombia’s Vice-Minister Jaramillo in this meeting.

President,

The full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in Colombia. Denmark welcomes the important steps taken by the Colombian Government to implement the Agreement to date, with notable efforts on rural reform.

We strongly urge an accelerated and concentrated effort to drive implementation forward for the benefit of the Colombian people.

Allow me to focus on three key areas.

First, violence continues to be the existential threat to Colombia's peace process.

The assassination attempt on Senator Uribe was a stark recall to past political violence, which must be condemned in the strongest terms.

Violence in conflict-affected regions remains a grave concern, with continued targeting of former combatants.

We strongly urge the Colombian Government to strengthen security by expanding its State presence to conflict-affected areas, combat illicit economies, and promote justice and accountability for all affected communities.

Denmark welcomes the convening of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement, and the agreement by parties on an action plan for the remainder of 2025.

Securing adequate and sustained funding for implementation also remains critical.

Second, Mr. President,

The protection of children in Colombia must be prioritised.

Children continue to suffer grave violations of their rights, including sexual and gender-based violence, killing and maiming, as highlighted in the latest Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict.

The increased recruitment of children by armed groups is particularly alarming, and disproportionately affects Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.

We call on the Government to scale-up child protection and security measures in rural areas, to fully implement the Ethnic Chapter. The protection of children must be considered in all negotiations or agreed outcomes between the State and armed groups.

Third, Mr. President.

Truth, justice, and reconciliation are essential to ensure an enduring peace in Colombia. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace holds a crucial responsibility to deliver transitional justice to victims of the conflict.

We underscore the urgency for the SJP to accelerate its work and advance on the issuance of its first restorative sentences. Legal certainty for individuals under the SJP’s jurisdiction is long overdue.

Now is the time to hold to account those responsible for the most serious human rights violations. Further delays will only undermine the progress made.

Equally crucial is the Government’s robust and timely support to ensure conditions are in place for the implementation of these rulings. This includes the financing of restorative projects and establishment of security and living conditions for sentenced individuals.

Mr. President, in closing,

As Colombia enters a pre-electoral period, it is critical that political tensions are lowered and inclusive political participation is prioritised.

Full implementation of the 2016 Agreement remains the only roadmap to bring sustainable peace to Colombia.

The work of the UN Verification Mission remains essential in this regard and Denmark extends its full support to the mission.

Thank you.