Numerous challenges remain to consolidate peace and security in (…)
Mr. President,
I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, for his briefing and for the work of the Mission, which has France’s full support.
Mr. President,
The electoral process that has just concluded in Colombia demonstrates the strength of the country’s democratic institutions. The presidential and legislative elections took place, on the whole, peacefully, and the Colombian people were able to express themselves freely and make their choice. It is now time to move beyond political divisions and ensure a peaceful transition of power.
Numerous challenges remain to consolidate peace and security in Colombia. The most obvious sign of this is the deterioration of the security situation in certain regions, which are experiencing a resurgence of activity by armed groups, despite the peace offers made to them. These groups, which profit from drug trafficking and illegal gold mining, continue to commit abuses against civilian populations. Children, who continue to be recruited, are the main victims. We condemn this and we call for an end to this violence.
Mr. President,
It has been nearly ten years since the Colombian Peace Agreement was signed and endorsed by this Council, which has fully supported its implementation by establishing a special political mission to accompany the Colombian people in this process. The mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission was renewed and adapted last October. It is important that dialogue begin without delay between the Mission and the incoming Colombian authorities to determine the conditions under which the continuation of this cooperation, which we strongly call for, can be achieved for the benefit of the Colombian people, and for peace and security in Colombia.
In this regard, let us recall that the substantial investment made by the international community over the past decade has been motivated by the recognition that the Peace Agreement constitutes a precise and comprehensive roadmap for addressing the structural factors that fuel instability in the country, along the following main axes:
First, strengthening the State’s presence throughout the country and reducing regional inequalities, which are the breeding ground for violence, through rural reform. In this regard, I would like to recall France’s commitment as a “supporting country” of Agreement’s Chapter 1 since 2016, with both technical and financial components;
Second, combating illicit trafficking by offering alternatives to illegal crops;
Third, working towards the reintegration of 11,000 former combatants who, otherwise, would be likely to take up their arms again;
Fourth, providing security guarantees aimed at protecting the most vulnerable populations;
And finally, promoting national reconciliation through transitional justice, whose recent rulings are to be commended.
These past ten years represent a long legacy; we must preserve it and see it through to completion.
Mr. President,
The Peace Agreement has proved its worth. It has made it possible to put an end to several decades of armed conflict and holds the promise of a lasting peace. The fulfillment of this promise depends on the full implementation of the Agreement, as provided for in the Colombian Constitution. France will continue to work to ensure that this Council maintains its support for the Colombian people’s aspirations for peace and prosperity, while respecting Colombia’s sovereignty.
Thank you.