23.01.2026 Statement for Briefing & Consultations on Colombia
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
I would also like to thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing and welcome Minister Jaramillo to this meeting.
In November, Colombia marked the 9th anniversary of the signing of the Final Peace Agreement, bringing an end to half a century of armed conflict between the Colombian Government and FARC-EP. The Agreement promised a new chapter, determined to bring social, economic and political progress. One which offered a path to healing the deep wounds of conflict.
Significant progress has been made in fulfilling this promise. However, more work remains to be done.
Allow me to focus on three points.
First,
Denmark welcomes the steps taken by the Colombian government to implement the Peace Agreement. We particularly commend the efforts on rural reform and the significant progress made in land distribution.
We call for accelerated efforts to ensure comprehensive rural reform. This includes addressing challenges regarding the allocation of resources, effective institutional coordination, and the mitigation of security risks.
Denmark commends the resolve and determination of former combatants who remain committed to the Peace Agreement. Their reintegration is fundamental and we call on the government to expedite progress towards access to land, housing and economic development, to ensure their sustainable transition into civilian life.
Similarly, efforts to ensure accountability and transitional justice are critical in this regard. We reaffirm our support for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, whose work continues to support redress for victims and build sustainable peace.
Second,
Tackling the persistent violence across the country must be a priority.
Violence continues to impact civilians where armed groups have expanded and where state presence remains limited. We are deeply concerned by reports of continued displacements, confinements, and killings of social leaders and former combatants. Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Peoples remain disproportionately affected.
In Catatumbo, communities continue to endure the effects of ongoing disputes between armed groups, as we have heard today.
Ensuring security guarantees for these vulnerable communities is urgently required. We call on the government to expand state presence across the country and ensure close coordination among all institutions and entities, including the instruments provided by the Peace Agreement.
Denmark remains particularly alarmed by the continued recruitment and use of children by armed gangs, which is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.
The tragic deaths of seven children in Guaviare in November underscores the need for the immediate release of all minors from armed groups. The government needs to adopt all necessary precautionary measures during military actions to safeguard the protection of children.
Third,
As Colombians head to the polls in both congressional and presidential elections, we call on the government to ensure strong security arrangements to safeguard these elections across the country and to support the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women.
The expansion of electoral participation in conflict-affected areas and the strengthening of security guarantees for political leaders will also be crucial.
In closing, Mr. President,
As the Peace Agreement enters its 10th year, we commend the determination of the Colombian people in their pursuit of and commitment to peace.
We call on the government to take concrete actions to consolidate the recent gains made in implementation, and to ensure continuity in the next Administration, and beyond.
I thank you.