UNSC briefing and consultations on Colombia

[14 October 2021; 1500 hrs]

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Mr. President, at the outset, let me join others in welcoming the participation of Vice President and Foreign Minister of Colombia H.E. Ms. Marta Lucia Ramirez in the Security Council’s meeting today. I also thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Ms. Bibiana Peñaranda and Ms. Daniela Soto for their insights and briefings.

2. The progress made in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, especially in the last three months is reassuring. The enactment of the law creating the 16 special transitional electoral districts for peace has provided opportunity for historically excluded populations to participate in the next elections. The peace related funding in the National Budget for 2021 has been increased by 3.8 percent. There is renewed activism in the legislature, with ruling coalition members and opposition presenting draft bills on issues related to the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The first indictments from Special Jurisdiction for Peace, new convictions by the Special Investigations Unit and continuing protection measures by the National Protection Unit reflect the progress on the transitional justice.

3. The political parties have begun preparing for the congressional and presidential elections due next year. On the socio-economic side, we note that the Government’s priorities for this last legislative period included a new tax reform, which was enacted in September, and changes to the National Police. The reintegration process has continued to move forward despite several challenges. Thus, the implementation of Peace Agreement has overall maintained a positive trajectory. In this regard, we congratulate President Duque and his Government for various positive steps in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. We appreciate the strong commitment and action in this direction.

4. There are still aspects of the Peace Agreement, which face impediments in implementation. The disputes between illegal armed groups, including different FARC-EP dissident groups over territorial control and strategic illegal trafficking routes have intensified. These disputes have aggravated violence, particularly in areas affected by the conflict and prioritized for the implementation of the Peace Agreement. This cycle of violence which has generated displacements and confinements and led to killings of former combatants, social leaders, and human rights defenders, including indigenous and other vulnerable sections of the population, needs to cease.

5. Threats, killings, and subsequent displacement of cooperative members is having disruptive effects on reintegration initiatives.  We are confident that the Colombian authorities are taking suitable measures to implement the security, housing, and land guarantees of the Agreement. The gap in the integrated presence of the State between urban and rural areas, especially those affected by the conflict, needs continued attention. My delegation is fully cognizant of the difficulties faced by the Government since these are complex challenges.

6. As we approach the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Peace Agreement, one thing that stands out is the collective commitment and determination of the Colombian stakeholders to overcome the obstacles to its implementation. The Peace Agreement not only put an end to conflict, but also laid the foundations for lasting peace through a robust and interconnected set of programmes, norms and institutions. While the Peace Process continues to be a source of inspiration to the world, the international community needs to support unequivocally the Government and people of Colombia in this journey to consolidate and sustain peace.

7. In conclusion, Colombia remains an important bilateral partner of India in Latin America. Despite pandemic disruptions, our bilateral relations have been expanding, particularly in the economic and commercial sphere. The visit of Vice President and Foreign Minister Ms. Marta Lucia Ramirez to India earlier this month, preceded by the visit of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi to Colombia in September, have further contributed towards strengthening and diversification of India-Colombia bilateral ties. As long-standing friend and partner of Colombia, India will continue to stand in solidarity with the people and government of Colombia.

Thank you.

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