Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President,
Denmark voted in favour of this resolution.
We did so, firm in our belief in the value and importance of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. This mission means so much more than verification. It supports the peace efforts. And it is a signal of international support for Colombia. A symbol to its people that they are not alone on their path to peace.
Mr. President,
Through today’s renewal, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia will be able to continue its important work in reporting to this Council, in ensuring compliance with the Final Agreement and in building trust amongst the parties. It provides clarity to those serving on the ground, including SRSG Jenča, to whom we offer our full support.
Nevertheless, we strongly regret that important parts of the Mission’s mandate have not been renewed.
Just last month, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace issued its first restorative sentences. This was a pivotal and long-awaited moment, and a historic step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the most serious crimes committed during Colombia’s armed conflict, as well as to provide redress to victims.
We regret that the Mission will not be able to monitor and verify the implementation of the restorative sentences.
After these first convictions, now is not the right time for the Security Council to turn away. Denmark is concerned for the impact that today’s decision may have at the critical and delicate time in Colombia’s transitional justice and broader peace process.
Notwithstanding the Council’s decision today, we urge the authorities in Colombia to continue the important process of ensuring truth, reconciliation and accountability. We recall the important role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in this regard.
Denmark further regrets the removal of verification of the Ethnic Chapter in the Mission’s mandate.
Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-Colombian communities remain disproportionately affected by insecurity in Colombia, with far-reaching implications for human rights, social cohesion, and cultural preservation. What they require is increased support, not for us to remove international attention and oversight.
Mr. President, in closing,
Both of these aspects, ensuring transitional justice and making progress in the Ethnic Chapter, represent key elements of Colombia’s peace process. That will not change. What will change, however, is UN verification of progress and reporting to this Council.
As we renew the Mission’s mandate today, we strongly regret this fact.
We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to supporting the people of Colombia, and the UN to continue its important work and good offices for lasting and sustainable peace.
I thank you.
