UNSC Open Briefing and Consultations on Colombia

[Wednesday, 12 October 2022]

India Statement

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Mr. President,

        I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu and the civil society representative for their respective briefings. 

2.       Since this Council last met in July to hold the regular discussions on Colombia, we are happy to note that a peaceful transition has taken place and President  Gustavo Petro was sworn into office on 7 August. This peaceful transition is a testament to the successful implementation of the peace agreement in Colombia, which completed five years, last November. As the world’s largest democracy, we continue to support the comprehensive implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. 

3.    While the greater gender inclusivity as well as indigenous representation of the new Government and Parliament is a welcome development, the comprehensive implementation of the Agreement’s inter-related elements represents an opportunity for the new Government to address inequalities and the underlying factors behind the persistent violence in Colombia.

4.    We also need to be aware that the objectives of the Peace Agreement are ambitious and their realization thus, 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.    We appreciate that despite facing several challenges, including those related to security, 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. For the sake of ensuring regional peace and stability, the need for a revised approach to the issue of illicit drugs, both within Colombia and internationally must also be given due importance. We also welcome steps taken by the Government of Colombia to improve relations with Venezuela.

6.  President Petro has also underscored the importance of broadening the implementation of Peace Agreement by inclusion of more parties in the process. We welcome the renewed 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 help to consolidate gains achieved so far. 

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

8.    As a long standing friend of the Colombian people, we hope that the international community would continue to shoulder its responsibility to support the Government and people of Colombia in their journey to consolidate and sustain peace.  India stands ready to do play its part in that larger pursuit.

I thank you.

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