UNSC Briefing and Consultations (closed) on Colombia

[Thursday, 14 July 2022; 1000 hrs]

Statement

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Mr. President,

    I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the President of the Truth Commission, Francisco José de Roux Rengifo, and Civil Society Representative Ms. Jineth Casso Piamba for their respective briefings. 

2.    The peaceful holding of Presidential elections in Colombia is indeed a significant development. It is encouraging to see that the people of Colombia again have reposed their faith in democracy by participating in record numbers in the elections for the second time since the signing of the Peace Agreement. This is a clear indication of trust and commitment of the people  to the Peace Agreement. And, for this, we congratulate the people of Colombia and the President-elect Mr. Gustavo Petro. 

3.    We heard from the President of the Truth Commission today as to why the release of the final report of the Truth Commission is a historic moment. We hope the findings and recommendations of the Truth Commission will greatly contribute to the process of reconciliation and help in moving towardsa more inclusive, peaceful, secure and prosperous future for all Colombians. We note with satisfaction the historic first hearings of truth and acknowledgement of responsibility held by the Special Jurisdiction of Peace (SJP), which is a testimony of the significant progress made by the transitional justice system, enshrined in the Peace Agreement.

4.    The objectives of the Peace Agreement are ambitious and their realization will require time. While we need to appreciate the positive developments that Colombia has witnessed in the last few years, we also have to be cognizant of the impediments to the implementation of the Peace Agreement that continue to remain. We believe that the solutions to issues such as security, rural reforms, crop substitution and rehabilitation of ex-combatants, are intrinsically linked to political reforms, decentralization, extension of State authority and reconciliation. 

5.    There have been serious security incidents involving threats, killings, and subsequent displacement of cooperative members, impacting reintegration initiatives. The disputes between illegal armed groups, including dissident groups of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) over territorial control, and illegal trafficking routes remain a concern. The indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, including women and children have continued to suffer from persistent violence. 

6.    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. 

7.    The President-elect has also underscored the importance of implementation of Peace Agreement. There have been attempts to engage the National Liberation Army (ELN) as part of the reconciliation initiatives. We hope this positive trend will continue in the coming months and gains made so far will be consolidated. 

8.    India values its bilateral ties with Colombia with whom we share a relationship spanning 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.  Over the years, our bilateral relations have deepened and diversified in areas such as space, health, science and technology and bio-technology. 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 Colombia. 

9.    In conclusion,  Mr. 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. In this direction, we support the work of the UN Verification Mission and the initiatives of SRSG.

I thank you.

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