UNSC briefing  on Colombia

[20 January 2022; 1000 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Madam President,

At the outset, let me join others in welcoming the participation of Presidential Adviser Mr. Emilio Jose’ Archila to the Security Council’s meeting today. I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. We appreciate his involvement and contribution to the ongoing process in Columbia. I also thank Ms. Luz Marina Giraldo for her briefing.

2. This is the first time we are meeting since the historic Peace Agreement completed five years in November 2021. We join others in congratulating the people of Colombia on the rapid strides they have made and continue to make on the path to peace and development since the signing of this Agreement in Havana to end the conflict and forge a lasting peace.

3. The progress made in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, especially in the last three months, is reassuring. As Colombia heads for Congressional elections in March this year, the enactment of the law creating 16 special transitional electoral districts for peace has provided an important opportunity for historically excluded populations to participate in the elections. It is also heartening to see that a record number of 202 women candidates have filed their nominations for the elections. We are pleased to see that political alliances have included the implementation of the Peace Agreement within their policy priorities and agenda platforms. It is also encouraging to witness renewed activism in the legislature, with ruling coalition members and opposition presenting draft bills on issues related to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

4. The first indictments from the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, new convictions by the Special Investigations Unit and continuing protection measures by the National Protection Unit reflect the progress in the sphere of transitional justice. This has been duly recognized with the closure of International Criminal Court’s preliminary examination on Colombia, active since 2004. We are hopeful that these developments would permit increased support for the peace process, including for the reintegration of former combatants.

5. The implementation of the Peace Agreement and the reintegration process have maintained an overall positive trajectory.  For this, we appreciate the Government for its strong commitment in giving effect to the provisions of the Peace Agreement.

6. However, there are still certain 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 remain a concern. These disputes have aggravated violence, particularly in areas affected by the conflict and this needs to cease completely.

7. Threats, killings, and subsequent displacement of cooperative members is having disruptive effects on reintegration initiatives.  It is reassuring that the Colombian authorities are taking suitable measures to implement the security, housing, and land guarantees enshrined in the Agreement.

Madam President,

8. For India, Colombia is an important bilateral partner in Latin America. The visit of Vice President and Foreign Minister Ms. Marta Lucia Ramirez to India in October last year, preceded by the visit of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi to Colombia in September, has further contributed towards strengthening and expansion of India-Colombia bilateral ties. As a long-standing friend and partner of Colombia, India will continue to stand in solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia.

9. In conclusion, Madam President, I would like to emphasize that while the Peace Process in Colombia continues to be a source of inspiration, the international community needs to continue with its responsibility to support the Government and people of Colombia in their journey to consolidate and sustain peace.

I thank you.

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