YouSaid · the spoken record

Carlos Ruiz Massieu

lines on the record: 62
first: 2020-04-14
most recent: 2021-04-21
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The progress by the three components of the transitional justice system created by the agreement is encouraging. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace continues to make key decisions to deliver justice for crimes committed during the conflict; the Truth Commission is holding important acts of reconciliation while preparing its report; and the Special Unit for the Search for Persons Deemed as Missing is moving forward with its noble task. In conclusion, I would like to express once again my gratitude to the Security Council for its constant and decisive support to the Colombian peace process.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“The Mission has also progressively returned to its normal functioning, including field activities where our presence is most needed. I have visited several regions, among them Valle del Cauca department, where I met political and religious authorities, former combatants and leaders of the communities who recounted the difficulties facing thousands of civilians — especially of Afro-Colombian origin — due to clashes between armed groups, the presence of illicit economies and limited socioeconomic opportunities. In this complex context, and to help advance the pandemic recovery efforts, allow me to renew the calls of the Secretary-General and the Security Council for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We have seen the positive impact that these gestures can have on the lives of vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“As progress is made in this direction, it will be necessary for the parties to accelerate the implementation of the gender measures in the agreement, and for all actors to enhance the role of women’s organizations in peacebuilding. Women’s participation is imperative for peace to be inclusive and sustainable. It has been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Colombia. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones to the disease. The Government, local authorities and the public have made significant efforts to overcome the pandemic and restore normalcy, and while the road to recovery is long and challenging, I am convinced that the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement will help the country to move gradually in that direction.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“The Government’s efforts to respond to the needs of communities in conflict-affected areas, and their interest in participating in the implementation of initiatives, such as the development programmes with a territorial focus, should be noted, although they still need to be complemented with other fundamental aspects of the agreement, such as the coordinated implementation of the national sectoral plans of comprehensive rural reform. It is also necessary to take concrete steps to bring sustainable productive opportunities to more families in the National Comprehensive Programme for the Substitution of Illicit Crops, a programme that has shown its potential to change conditions in areas where illegal crops are grown and to strengthen communities’ trust in the State.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Two additional collective projects were recently approved in the National Reintegration Council (NRC), for a total of 90. In that regard, it is noteworthy that we are close to 50 per cent of former combatants participating in collective and individual projects. Similarly, the parties have agreed to create a technical working group on housing within the framework of the NRC, which I hope will lead to solutions to advance access to housing for former combatants and their families. These advances show the potential of collaborative work undertaken by the State, former combatants, victims and communities to transform the conflict- affected territories.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Thanks to the Government’s commitment and to concerted work with former combatants, seven of the 24 former territorial areas for training and reintegration now have land. An example of the opportunities for reconciliation generated by the peace agreement was the recent donation by Álvaro Zora — a businessman who in the past suffered the kidnapping of his father by an illegal armed group — of land in Quibdó, Chocó, for nearly 50 former combatants to carry out their fish-farming projects and build their homes. This act of generosity provides certainty and rootedness to dozens of families of former combatants committed to building a better country, a new country, especially in a department that has been so hard-hit by the conflict and poverty.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Similarly, the sustained presence of security forces, accompanied by the growing deployment of public entities and services, is essential to guaranteeing effective control of the territory and improving the protection of communities by the State, as well as to allow for the consolidation of development opportunities and the rule of law. The Final Agreement establishes that a stable and lasting peace requires the effective reintegration of former FARC-EP members into social, economic and political life. Progress made by the parties in this regard has been notable. In this period, progress by the Government in the purchase of land for former territorial areas for training and reintegration, including two additional purchases since the issuance of the report, is encouraging.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“This is a positive result that highlights the importance of redoubling the efforts by State entities involved in the fight against impunity and of ensuring them appropriate financial and technical resources. It is urgent that the policies and measures taken by the State, including the recent strategic security plan, translate into better results, especially in the 25 municipalities where most of the violence is concentrated. I hope that by the end of 2021 we will be able to report that the trend of these deplorable crimes has finally been reversed.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Protecting life is the fundamental purpose of any peace process. In the case of Colombia, the importance of carrying out appropriate actions to achieve this is even more evident in the light of the violence facing communities, social leaders and former FARC-EP members. Since the publication of the report of the Secretary- General, acts of violence against social leaders and communities have been registered in different departments, one of them being the Cauca department, where yesterday the indigenous Governor, Sandra Liliana Peña Chocué, was killed, and where four more former combatants have also been killed, for a total of 266 since the signing of the Final Agreement. On 9 April, authorities reported the arrest of the alleged perpetrator of the killings of a social leader and two former combatants.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Its constructive spirit provides a solid basis for the parties to continue working together despite their different visions. Having different political positions should not, in any way, translate into affecting the superior interest, which is the implementation of the peace agreement. I encourage the parties to continue to move forward in defining the road map for implementation agreed at that meeting. Now into the fifth year of implementation, it is also essential that the parties remain committed to building on the achievements made and resolving pending challenges, and thereby move forward — with the support of all actors in Colombian society — in solving structural problems, particularly considering the challenges of overcoming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Certainly, these conversations are an important reminder that, regardless of the source of the pain, guaranteeing truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition is the best way to repair the damage and prevent more victims in Colombia. To do so, it is necessary to guarantee the inclusion, effective participation and security of all victims. Likewise, it is essential that all actors involved in the conflict give concrete signs of their commitment so that the expectations of the victims can be met and to consolidate the foundations for closing the wounds left by conflict. The meeting held between President Iván Duque Márquez and the leader of the Comunes party, Rodrigo Londoño, is undoubtedly a very encouraging development.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Their participation during the negotiation phase was crucial to ensuring that their perspectives were taken into account, and today they are a fundamental pillar of peacebuilding and the pursuit of reconciliation. Their courage and generosity should be a source of inspiration for the signatory parties to continue working to fulfil the commitments enshrined in the Final Agreement and for all actors in Colombian society to support them in this task. On 9 April, Colombia commemorated the National Day of Memory and Solidarity with Victims. On that occasion, I had the opportunity to talk to representatives of victims of crimes committed by both the former FARC-EP and State agents.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“I thank you for this opportunity to present to you the latest report (S/2021/298) of the Secretary-General on Colombia and to brief the Security Council on important developments since the issuance of the report. It is an honour to share this meeting with Foreign Minister Claudia Blum de Barberi, and I take this opportunity to thank her and her team for the usual support extended to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. Victims are at the centre of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, signed between the Government of Colombia and the former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP).”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“That inspiring story is one of the many examples of the results of the work of the Comprehensive System and illustrates why it is so important for all actors to lend their full support to the System’s three entities and for all those who took part in the conflict to contribute fully to efforts to determine the truth and to undertake reparatory actions for victims. In conclusion, the firm backing of the Council and of the international community at large remains one of the key factors allowing Colombia to continue to be a source of hope and inspiration for peaceful conflict resolution around the world. Its unanimous and unequivocal support will remain essential as Colombians continue to persevere in the full implementation of their landmark peace agreement.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“The final priority set out by the Secretary-General is to continue laying the groundwork for reconciliation across the country. Victims and Colombian society in general will be looking with great expectation this year at the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition, with the first sentences set to be issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, the continued work by the Truth Commission in supporting reconciliation efforts and advancing in its final report, and sustained progress by the Special Unit for the Search for Persons Deemed as Missing. A few weeks ago, thanks to the testimonies of parties to the conflict, the participation of victims and strong inter-institutional coordination, the Special Unit found alive, and then reunited, a mother and daughter who had both been declared missing 17 years ago.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“I welcome the parties’ decision to extend the mandate of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement, and I urge them to make increased use of the Commission this year, including with the support of the guarantor countries, to resolve their differences and find mutually agreeable solutions to implementation challenges. In addition, I urge the parties to spare no effort in working together, including through the tripartite mechanism with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, on issues such as those related to the former FARC-EP’s assets, bearing in mind that the ultimate aim in this process is to contribute to reparations for victims of the conflict.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Authorities must remain firm in the continued implementation of instruments such as the development programmes with a territorial focus, the National Comprehensive Programme for the Substitution of Illicit Crops and the comprehensive security and protection programme for communities and organizations in the territories. Consolidating the institutional presence, strengthening local protection and conflict-resolution mechanisms and providing lawful economic opportunities for vulnerable populations are the strongest bulwark against illegal armed groups and criminal organizations. Sustained dialogue between the parties is fundamental to the implementation of all aspects of the peace agreement, which is why strengthening dialogue is the fourth priority mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Moreover, I urge the national and local Governments to ensure that the communities left behind in the former locations continue to receive institutional support. That brings me to the third priority outlined by the Secretary-General: consolidating the integrated presence of the State in conflict-affected areas. For illegal armed groups and criminal organizations that profit from limited State presence, the implementation of the peace agreement represents a threat to their criminal activities. They are determined to drive out State institutions and stamp out the voices of social leaders through violence and intimidation. They cannot be allowed to succeed.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“I also hope that the forthcoming sessions of the National Reintegration Council in various departments agreed by President Duque Márquez and former combatants at their meeting will lead to progress in ensuring the same level of institutional support and productive opportunities for former combatants within and outside the former territorial areas for training and reintegration. As reported by the Secretary-General, several former territorial areas for training and reintegration, new reintegration areas and former combatants’ productive projects have had to relocate or are pending relocation owing to threats by illegal armed groups. It is crucial for those relocations to proceed in an orderly manner so as to ensure that conditions in the new locations are apt for former combatants to resettle.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Recently, through a joint effort on the part of institutions at all levels, a plot of land was granted to 300 former combatants in Huila department to undertake cattle-grazing and other productive projects. I trust that this momentum will continue, including through the effective use of various avenues for granting land to former combatants and progress on formalizing land arrangements for the remaining former territorial areas for training and reintegration, in close consultation with former combatants.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Given the numerous killings of former combatants being reported at or near new reintegration areas, it is key to develop a focused strategy to provide security around those areas as well as the surrounding communities. Regarding the second priority — the sustainability of the reintegration process — promising developments have occurred since President Duque Márquez’s meeting in November with former combatants who marched to Bogotá from around the country in the “Pilgrimage for life and peace”. In addition to the land purchased for the former territorial area for training and reintegration in Dabeiba, announced by President Duque Márquez. in December, the Government has announced that plots for five additional former territorial areas for training and reintegration will be purchased by mid-February.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Two weeks ago, four of the seven individuals arrested for the killing of former FARC-EP leader Alexander Parra were released after they were not brought to trial within the deadlines set by the Colombian legislation. Mr. Parra’s killing, in October 2019, was especially notorious owing to his leadership in the reintegration process and because it is one of only two killings that have occurred within a former territorial area for training and reintegration. Although the trial remains open, the individuals’ release on procedural grounds has prompted concerns and calls for a thorough review of what occurred and how such circumstances may be prevented in future.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“More than 550 vacancies remain for bodyguards, and more than 1,000 close-protection requests are still pending review. This issue should be prioritized, as it has direct implications for the safety of former combatants. It is also important to ensure that women former combatants have equal access to close protection. Bringing to justice those responsible for these attacks is also critical. Support for the work of the Special Investigations Unit in investigating and prosecuting such crimes remains essential in that regard. It is also important to strengthen local judicial capacity, including through regional specialized judges focused on this type of crime.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“On 12 January, the Government and the United Nations country team in Colombia jointly announced a $3.1 million investment from the United Nations multi-partner trust fund to support prevention and collective protection for former combatants, social leaders, human rights defenders and leaders of the illicit- crop substitution programmes in three priority regions: Chocó, the Pacific coast of Nariño and Catatumbo, in Norte de Santander. The Secretary-General has repeatedly warned in his reports about the implications of continued budget shortfalls for the Specialized Subdirectorate for Security and Protection of the National Protection Unit, a unit that provides collective and individual close-protection schemes for former combatants.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Social leaders, human rights defenders and members of political parties also continue, unfortunately, to be victimized. On Christmas Eve, Pedro Alejandro Pérez Doria, a municipal council member for the Conservative Party in Córdoba department, was killed, demonstrating once again the need for protection measures for members of all political parties. And on 11 January, Gonzalo Cardona Molina, an advocate for the protection of endangered species, was found dead in Tolima department. His killing underscores the danger facing environmental activists across the country. Some welcome steps have been taken during the last few weeks. On 5 January, Vice-President Marta Lucía Ramírez announced measures to increase protection for the members of the Special Forum on Gender, following threats reported against 10 of its 16 members.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Violence against former combatants, social leaders, human rights defenders and communities remains the most serious threat to peacebuilding in Colombia. While multiple measures have been taken to try to address that violence, every killing is a tragic blow to peace and a call to ensure that the security measures undertaken by the authorities translate into effective improvements in the territories. Since the publication of the Secretary-General’s report, four more former combatants have been killed, bringing the total to 252 since the signing of the peace agreement. The victims include a 22-year-old female former combatant, Yolanda Zabala Mazo, who was shot and killed along with her 17-year-old sister in Antioquia department on 1 January.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Credit for those strides forward goes to the two parties carrying out their commitments under the peace agreement and to the efforts being made alongside them by Colombian institutions and civil society, as well as to the international community for its support. Indeed, 2021 is year five of the 15-year time frame envisioned for the implementation of the entirety of the peace agreement. It is incumbent to ensure that 2021 is remembered as the year in which bold steps were taken to bring to fruition the full promise of sustainable peace enshrined in the agreement. I urge both parties and all Colombian actors to work together to protect the achievements made so far and to accelerate momentum on pending issues, especially the five priorities outlined in the Secretary-General’s report.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“The opportunities for peace and development that Colombians enjoy today would have seemed unthinkable only a decade ago, when the conflict between the FARC-EP guerrillas and the State was still raging. Colombians in rural areas, who suffered the brunt of the conflict, are beginning to see increased investments and State presence in their communities; Colombian society is coming to terms with its past through a transitional justice system centred on victims; and thousands of men and women who were in arms five years ago are now building better lives for themselves and their families, alongside local communities.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“I wish to thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to present the Secretary- General’s latest report on Colombia (S/2020/1301) and to brief the Security Council on developments since the issuance of the report. I welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Claudia Blum de Barberi and once again thank her for her support for the Verification Mission. The past four years since the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) have seen remarkable progress in terms of Colombia’s path towards sustainable and lasting peace, even in the face of arduous challenges, including that of the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We owe it to these brave women, and to the generations that will succeed them, to ensure that peace in Colombia continues to take root through the continued implementation of the final peace agreement.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“I encourage all actors, including the Government and the FARC party, to draw inspiration from the anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) to redouble their efforts to fully implement the gender provisions of the agreement, together with the leadership of women’s organizations at the national and local levels. Let me conclude by paying tribute to the strength and courage of Colombia’s countless women peacebuilders: the leaders and members of women’s organizations I have met in travels around the country; the women social leaders who are too often under threat in their communities; the victims who are participating actively in reconciliation efforts; and the women leaders of ethnic organizations who strive to protect their culture and ensure the rights of their communities.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“Few peace agreements in history have addressed gender issues as comprehensively as the final peace agreement in Colombia. The Colombian peace process demonstrates the value of ensuring the meaningful participation of women and the importance of taking into account both how women have been affected by conflict and, even more importantly, how they can contribute to conflict resolution. Challenges still remain in terms of improving security for women social leaders and human rights defenders, ensuring more robust participation of women former combatants in reintegration efforts, and addressing the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence, which has seen an upsurge during the pandemic.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“It is important to ensure that development programmes with a territorial focus are implemented in collaboration with regional and local authorities, and with the participation of local communities, as well as to ensure that they are articulated with other programmes set out by the peace agreement, including the reintegration process and the National Comprehensive Programme for the Substitution of Illicit Crops. Ultimately, peacebuilding and pandemic recovery efforts should be complementary, focusing on the fundamental objective of strengthening integrated State presence in the areas that have for decades needed it most. In two weeks, the Council will commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“Similarly, the development programmes with a territorial focus continue to be a valuable mechanism for bringing investments and State presence to the 170 municipalities most affected by conflict and poverty. Given the financial constraints imposed by the pandemic, I applaud the efforts to diversify funding for implementing these programmes, including the recent approval by Congress of additional funds from mineral royalties, and resources from the private sector through the Work for Taxes programme.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“The consequences of the pandemic have highlighted the urgency of taking on the historic challenge of bringing development, security and opportunities to rural areas in Colombia. In this regard, I would like to reiterate the Secretary-General’s call on all actors in Colombia to view the implementation of the peace agreement as an essential part of the recovery from the effects of the pandemic, and to take advantage of the agreement’s tools to address the challenges associated with recovery. For example, the necessary public health investments in rural areas can be guided by the elements on rural health in the first section of the agreement. Economic recovery in conflict-affected areas can be enhanced by strengthening productive projects that benefit former combatants and communities.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“It is equally important to make headway on improving protection for former combatants, who continue to be killed in alarming numbers, and fighting impunity for these crimes, including by bringing intellectual authors to justice. Priority should be given to staffing and resources for the National Protection Unit to clear the backlog of pending requests for protection for former combatants. I trust that recent progress in investigations of crimes against former combatants by the Special Investigation Unit of the Office of the Attorney General will be sustained, particularly through cooperation by other State entities, including security forces at the regional level. One of the objectives of the peace agreement that I mentioned earlier is to achieve a profound transformation of rural Colombia.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“I also take the opportunity to reiterate the Secretary-General’s call, supported by the Security Council, for a global ceasefire to allow for all efforts to focus on relief from the pandemic. Reducing violence in conflict-affected areas is all the more important in the context of this public-health crisis. Working jointly with the communities is also essential to devise effective security measures tailored to local contexts. I am encouraged by the joint work between civil society actors and Government entities in the framework of the technical committees of the comprehensive security and protection programme for communities, pursuant to Decree 660. It is now necessary to move forward to make this operational on the ground, including through the various pilot initiatives, so that we can report concrete progress over the coming months.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“Recent massacres in various departments have served as a painful reminder of how innocent civilians, including young people, are falling victim to the actions of these groups. Finding ways to curb this violence is imperative to deliver on the promise of the peace agreement. To that end, it remains necessary to finalize and implement public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups, criminal organizations and their support networks. The work of the technical committees and regional sessions of the National Commission on Security Guarantees over the last two years should now translate into the prompt finalization of this crucial public policy and, more importantly, its swift implementation. Similarly, timely responses to address the risks identified by the early warnings of the Office of the Ombudsman can be decisive in reducing violence.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“To continue paving the way towards reconciliation, support for the work of the Comprehensive System remains fundamental, including through full respect for its autonomy and independence; cooperation from all actors; and active and authentic participation from those who took part in the conflict. The decision by what was the largest armed group in the country to lay down its weapons voluntarily has contributed significantly to the overall reduction of violence since the signing of the peace agreement. Unfortunately, some of the areas that suffered immensely during the conflict continue to be besieged by violence from other actors, who continue attacking social leaders, human rights defenders, former combatants and entire communities.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“The Truth Commission has brought victims and actors involved in the conflict together in meaningful dialogue on reconciliation and non-repetition, and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace continues making progress in cases covering crimes committed within the armed conflict. Over the last few weeks, several top FARC party leaders have admitted responsibility for their role in various crimes committed during the conflict, powerfully demonstrating that the peace process is beginning to deliver on its promise to shed light on the horrors of the past, which is an essential building block to help heal Colombian society.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“As the consolidation of these areas advances, I once again draw attention to the needs of over 9,000 former combatants who are living outside of them. I trust that the Government and the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común (FARC) will soon agree to a joint approach to provide adequate support for these new reintegration areas, whose security challenges and other vulnerabilities the Secretary-General has highlighted in several of his reports. The transitional justice process is building momentum, as the three components of the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition take forward their crucial work. The Unit for the Search for Persons Deemed as Missing continues its important task of determining the whereabouts of victims of the conflict for their families and loved ones.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“Thanks to this agreement, the indigenous authorities agreed to support the formal reintegration process of 114 former combatants, mostly of indigenous origin, within the community and in accordance with their traditions. This development demonstrates the importance of ensuring an ethnic perspective to the reintegration process. The issue of land continues to be one of the most pressing matters for the reintegration process. I welcome the recent purchase of land for the former territorial area for training and reintegration in Icononzo, and I trust that this will be followed by others so that the Government can fulfil its objective of purchasing plots of land for nine former territorial areas by the end of the year.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“Despite continued attacks and stigmatization against them, the vast majority of those who laid down their weapons remain engaged in the reintegration process, with nearly one third of them having received funding for productive projects through mechanisms created by the peace agreement. Former combatants are currently working alongside their families and local communities to withstand the health and economic effects of the pandemic. I would like to highlight the recent approval of the first reintegration road map with an ethnic approach, in the indigenous community of Mayasquer, of the Pastos indigenous peoples, in Nariño department.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“This peace would be based on fundamental processes provided for in the agreement, some of which are already complete and irreversible, such as the laying down of arms by the FARC-EP and its transition into a political party; and others that are still under construction, including: the effective reintegration of FARC-EP members into civilian life; the search for truth, reparations and restorative justice for victims; and the transformation of rural Colombia. There have been historic and undeniable achievements along the way, but enormous challenges still remain. A continued commitment by the parties to the implementation of the Agreement is required, as well as the active participation of Colombian State entities and civil society to ensure that the achievements are built upon and truly sustainable.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to present the latest report of the Secretary- General on Colombia (S/2020/943). It is a pleasure to do so in the company of Foreign Minister Claudia Blum de Barberi. Almost four years after the conclusion of the negotiations that led to the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, it is important to recall the main objective of that Agreement — ending more than five decades of confrontation between the Colombian State and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP), as well as the opening of a long and complex phase of building lasting peace.”
2020-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1023 (2020) · source
“I am certain that through the constructive dialogue and dedicated efforts of the parties, public institutions, leaders at all levels and of Colombian society more broadly, we can celebrate in the end the triumph of hope over fear, unity over division and, as García Márquez said, of life over death.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, in his Nobel Prize in Literature acceptance speech, Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez said, “Neither floods nor plagues, famines nor cataclysms, nor even the eternal wars of century upon century, have been able to subdue the persistent advantage of life over death.” The resilience he invoked with those words has been seen in the way Colombians continue forging peace in their country after decades of conflict and in the way they have come together during the last few weeks in the face of the pandemic.I trust that this commitment will continue beyond the pandemic so that the efforts to bring peace and development to conflict-affected communities are strengthened and reinvigorated as a result of the crisis.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“At a time when all efforts must be focused on fighting the pandemic, we urge all illegal armed actors in Colombia to desist from continuing to perpetrate violence upon vulnerable communities, including indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“I hope that similar measures are being taken in other aspects of the implementation of the comprehensive rural reform and the peace agreement more broadly. Echoing the Secretary-General’s appeal for a worldwide ceasefire in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and joining numerous voices from Colombian civil society in recent weeks, I called upon all armed actors in the country to put life above any other consideration and focus on preventing the spread of the virus. The Ejército de Liberación Nacional responded by declaring a one-month unilateral ceasefire during the month of April. However, armed clashes continue between illegal armed groups in several departments, including Cauca, Chocó and Norte de Santander.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“In particular, the current context is an opportunity to undertake planning and consultations to operationalize the comprehensive security and protection programme for communities and organizations in the territories, an important part of section 3.4 of the peace agreement that, if implemented, can make an important difference on the ground. As the Secretary-General highlights in paragraph 92 of his report, “The sustained and integrated presence of State institutions is necessary and remains the most effective means of ensuring peace and stability in the territories.” (S/2020/239, para. 92) In this sense, I am encouraged that Presidential Counsellor Archila has continued to coordinate arrangements so that the implementation of the development programmes with a territorial focus is not affected by the current crisis.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source