UNSC Briefing and Consultations on Colombia

[12 April 2022; 1000 hrs]

Statement 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 His Excellency President Duque to the Security Council’s meeting today. I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing.

2. This is the first time we are meeting in the presence of H.E. President Duque in the UN Security Council since the historic Peace Agreement completed five years in November last year. We join others in congratulating the people of Colombia on the rapid strides they continue to make on the path to peace and development since the signing of this Agreement.

3. The successful holding of Congressional elections on March 13 this year, including the voting for 16 newly created special transitional electoral districts for peace, held for the first time in the rural areas of the 167 municipalities most affected by the conflict, is a positive indicator of consolidation of the peace process in Colombia. It has also been heartening to see the large-scale participation by women candidates in the elections. We are also pleased to see that political alliances have included the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement within their policy priorities and agenda platforms. We hope this positive trend will continue in the upcoming Presidential elections as well, scheduled in May this year.

4. The progress made in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, especially in the recent months, is encouraging. These include preparation of stabilization road maps concerning rural reforms; substitution for illicit crops; hearings by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, with first indictments expected in June this year; and the commendable work of the Truth Commission. The parties have also extended the mandate of the Commission concerning implementation of Final Agreement until 2023. We welcome these positive developments, which clearly demonstrate strong commitment of the Government and the Colombian political parties to the Peace Agreement.

Madam President,

5. We need to recognize that the Peace Agreement has set several ambitious objectives, particularly on security, rural reforms, crop substitution and rehabilitation of ex-combatants. However, the implementation of the Peace Agreement continues to face challenges, as we heard today. For instance, incidents involving threats, killings, and subsequent displacement of cooperative members, has disruptive effect on reintegration initiatives. The disputes between illegal armed groups, including different Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) dissident groups over territorial control, and illegal trafficking routes remain a concern. We appreciate that despite these challenges, the Colombian authorities are making progress in addressing the security, housing, and land guarantees enshrined in the Peace Agreement. We believe the prioritization of rural reforms aimed at increasing employment and livelihood opportunities is fundamental to sustain peace.

6. India values its bilateral ties with Colombia with whom we share a relationship extending over the past six decades. The increase in the frequency of high-level visits and engagements, especially over last year is a testimony to the strength of our partnership, which is based on shared democratic values and developmental goals. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID19 pandemic, there has been a steady increase in bilateral trade which grew by 22% in 2020-21. India has made significant presence in the oil, automobile, agro-chemicals, Information Technology (IT) and pharmaceuticals sectors in Colombia. Over the years, our bilateral relations have deepened and diversified in areas such as space, health, science and technology and biotechnology. There is growing interest among Colombians about India’s culture and heritage. We are committed to expanding and deepening our development and trade partnership with Columbia.

7. 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. As a long-standing friend and partner of Colombia, India will continue to stand in solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia in their quest for lasting peace and economic development.

I thank you.

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