YouSaid · the spoken record

Fernandez De Soto Valderrama

lines on the record: 47
first: 2018-10-25
most recent: 2019-10-29
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-security-council

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“Before concluding my statement, and in my capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, I wish to inform members of the Council that the Commission has compiled and submitted a document in written form that we think will be important for today's debate, in line with our mandate as an advisory body to the Security Council, and which we know will be very useful for the Council.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“The Government has the first-ever cabinet with parity between men and women in the history of Colombia, and our national development plan includes a chapter dedicated to the promotion of women's equity, known as the Pact for Equity for Women, whose objectives include the establishment of a national women's network that will bring together policies, strategies and instruments adopted to ensure that women's rights form part of the agenda of all branches of public authority. The recent local elections saw the largest number of women candidates to date, which is an example that our efforts to ensure the participation of women in decision-making positions are bearing fruit. We will continue advancing along this path, recognizing that women and girls play a fundamental role in Colombia's peacebuilding journey.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“Another step forward is the National Reincorporation Council's technical round tables on gender, composed of women Government officials and ex-combatants of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo, which are held weekly to ensure that the gender component is included in each productive project approved in the framework of the reincorporation process. President Duque is committed to advancing the participation of women in the leadership of the various political spheres.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“Accordingly, a high-level gender-equality unit was set up by the Vice-President of Colombia, Ms. Martha Lucia Ramirez Blanco, in January, in order to advance the implementation of the 51 gender indicators included in the framework plan for the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Furthermore, the relevant entities have submitted their work plans, reporting a progress rate of 96 per cent in the 51 gender indicators. These plans are vehicles for the promotion of gender equality and will ensure more and better opportunities are created for women, especially those who have been victims of violence.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“Colombia has set an example in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), recognizing that, in order to achieve a peaceful and inclusive society based on the principles of legality, entrepreneurship and equity, political and economic empowerment and the promotion of women's leadership are indispensable. My Government is convinced that the participation of women in peacebuilding is a matter ofpriority that will contribute to achieving the transformations that our "Peace with legality" policy proposes to offer women, in particular those in rural areas: better living conditions that will translate into their economic autonomy, as well as the creation of working environments with decent conditions that break the cycles of violence that violate women's rights.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“Mr. Fernandez De Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (Spoke in Spanish): I thank the President of the Security Council for convening this open debate as we approach the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). I welcome the briefings by the Executive Director of UN-Women and the other briefers. Colombia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Canada today on behalf of 56 Member States. Today's meeting is undoubtedly a good opportunity to share best practices in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and to take effective actions to ensure the participation and leadership of women in the various aspects of peacebuilding.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“We are committed to preventing boys and girls from being used to wage war and will continue to work and to do ever more to comprehensively address the issue of their integration and education.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The Government of President Duque has placed special emphasis on the importance of the transition to civilian life for the hundreds of children who had been recruited by the former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo. We are aware that despite the strenuous efforts of the Colombian State, challenges remain in relation to this issue, which is why our institutions will continue to work to strengthen prevention strategies, in line with the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention ofthe Recruitment and Use ofChild Soldiers. Finally, Colombia takes good note of the various concerns and challenges that persist in the country in this respect.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“By the same token, the use of anti-personnel mines by that group not only affects children's right to life and to personal integrity, but also, in areas where the National Liberation Army has a presence, prevents children from realizing their right to education and health care without putting their lives in danger. The National Liberation Army has systematically refused to take measures aimed at enhancing the protection of children; instead, the group has sought to ratchet up the intensity of the hostilities against Colombian society, including terrorist attacks such as the one perpetrated against the General Santander Police Academy, which took the lives of 22 young Colombians and which was condemned in the strongest terms by the Security Council on 18 January.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“In particular, the self-styled National Liberation Army, which is still included on the list of parties committing grave violations of the rights of children, has continued to recruit and use children as part of its illegal activities against the State. For instance, on 4 July that illegal armed group showed on social media a series of videos showing boys, girls and adolescents engaging in propaganda activities for the group, in clear contravention of the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The adoption of that decree represents the conclusion of more than 10 years of work to fight, in a coordinated manner, the recruitment of and other serious violations against children perpetrated by illegal armed groups. In 2007, we also established an intersectoral commission for the prevention of the recruitment of children and other grave violations of the rights of the child, which will continue to serve as the main body tasked with devising strategies aimed at eradicating the problem. Unfortunately, despite the tremendous efforts and strong commitment of the Colombian State to eradicate this painful situation, that example has not been replicated by all the organized armed groups, which continue to recruit and to use boys and girls in violation of the international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Successful reintegration is critical to any peace process, especially when it comes to the reintegration of boys and girls who, from a very tender age, have known nothing other than the tragic effects of violence. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/509) refers to the situation in Colombia, highlighting the various serious violations of the rights of children perpetrated by illegal armed groups. The main outcome presented in the report makes it clear that the Colombian State has striven to fully guarantee the human rights of children, boys and girls alike. Those efforts include the issuance of decree 1434 of 2018, which substantively strengthened public-policy guidelines for preventing the recruitment, use, sexual exploitation of and sexual violence against boys, girls and adolescents.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Mr. Fernandez De Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Madam President, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for having convened this open debate, which is of great importance for the Organization in the process of endeavouring to extricate children from situations of conflict. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Virginia Gamba, and the Executive Director ofUNICEF for their briefings today and for all the work that they have been doing in the context of this important task. We also wish to convey our gratitude to the other briefers for their reports. As stated in the concept note convening this debate (S/2019/605, annex), it is vital that we understand that protecting and caring for children affected by armed conflict is key to achieving sustainable peace.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“With special emphasis since the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and its subsequent developments and supplements, Colombia has updated its legislation and procedures to fight this scourge, which we suffered for years, and we will continue doing so in the conviction that international cooperation is a priority task for the benefit of humankind.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the Doha Declaration of the thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2015 is a point of reference that indicates some emerging forms, such as environmental crimes, piracy and cybercrime, among others. We also have a solid legal framework to combat terrorism. Finally, Colombia wishes to reaffirm its rejection and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and considers it necessary to emphasize that this problem cannot and should not be associated with any particular religion, civilization, ethnicity or nationality.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“This policy does not allow space to justify or validate terrorism and crime as a means of political action in democracy, nor does it allow arguments to be maintained in support of crime. That is why we thank the Security Council for its condemnation of the despicable terrorist attack on the Bogota police academy in January. Colombia views with concern the progress made of groups that use violent extremism and terrorism under ambiguous political and religious pretexts, threaten international peace and security, and undermine the values and principles of States. Such groups have become a global threat that forces us to develop integrated and coordinated actions within the framework of international cooperation.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“It also noted that financial institutions regularly verify other sources, such as country designation lists, and apply measures in accordance with our legislation, which is used to find possible sources of financing for terrorism. Organized crime, criminal economies and terrorism corrupt institutions, impede their normal functioning, hinder the provision of goods and services, distort the functioning of the economy and markets, deprecate natural and human resources and discourage private initiative. Put another way, they are declared enemies of legality and entrepreneurship and, consequently, of equity, which are pillars of the Government of President Ivan Duque Marquez and are reflected in the new defence and security policy.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“I note, for example, the procedure applied by the Colombian authorities with regard to the Security Council's sanctions committees, in particular Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh) Al-Qaida and associated individuals groups undertakings and entities. The Group also appreciated the procedure that Colombia has developed to comply with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Latin America on the freezing of assets, which involves financial institutions, the department in charge of regulating financial institutions, the Prosecutor General's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“To face these challenges, my country is making headway in strengthening the human and technical capacities of our police forces, and it will continue to be imperative to consolidate those of our judicial system, equipping it with new tools to face equally new criminal phenomena. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force on Latin America, Colombia has been evaluated on four occasions by the Financial Action Task Force of the International Monetary Fund, which highlights some achievements that I would like to share in this debate.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“It is a State purpose that requires moving forward in the adoption of the relevant international instruments and of updated and appropriate domestic regulations. We are fully aware that crimes such as corruption, illicit drug trafficking, illicit arms trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and money-laundering have allowed the strengthening of terrorist organizations in size and scope, making them more dangerous and giving them the technical, operational and financial support that allows them to destabilize countries and the international community. The fight against terrorist organizations must include the fight against criminal groups, with special emphasis on their finances and on the money obtained through their illicit activities.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Mr. Fernandez de Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to welcome the presence here today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France and congratulate the French delegation on its work in presiding over the Council, as well as on its initiative in convening this important debate. I am also grateful for the briefings we heard today, which have provided a clear overview of the challenges we face in preventing and combating the financing of terrorism. My delegation considers resolution 2462 (2019), which the Council adopted today, to be extremely important. We fully concur with its spirit and value. Colombia has firmly and resolutely assumed the task of strengthening its capacities for the prevention and punishment of terrorism.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Mogherini stated that what is happening in Venezuela is a multidimensional crisis that is increasingly affecting Venezuelans, and ofcourse it is the obligation of the international community, as demonstrated throughout time in the classical theories on international humanitarian law, to fulfil its duty and show solidarity by helping to ensure that the people receive due care and attention. I will end my remarks on that note. I apologize for being emotional, but in the defence of the legitimate interests of Colombia and the region we must always ensure that we place the proper emphasis so that there is no doubt as to the reality and the good faith in which my country has acted.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“They made several attempts to enter, although that was not possible. In the afternoon, given the order for the vehicles to return and the bridge to be closed, a strong opposition was mounted by Venezuelans, who continued to prevent the implementation of that order until the publication of this report. Colombia fully complied with the protocol to receive the humanitarian aid that it was given. It is very easy to claim that a novel could be written about what happened in the span of those days, but I would recommend that Mr. Arreaza write such a story, because it is nothing more than fiction - a make-believe story that seeks to manipulate the truth of what happened. Everyone can draw their own conclusions about what has been said here. Colombia is willing to share information in that regard. On 21 February, Ms.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The Bolivarian National Guard immediately began launching tear gas towards the convoy, and most of those affected were on the Columbian side, causing a temporary retreat. The Organization of American States directly observed that more than 30 people were injured, most of them from the organizing entities. At 1:45 p.m., the first and second aid convoys were seen ablaze on the Venezuelan side, with no confirmation of the facts of the incident. Throughout the day, shots were heard constantly on the Venezuelan side, and at some point tear gas was launched and pellets were fired, leading to an undetermined number of people being injured, in addition to the uneasiness and fear of the population. Four trucks with humanitarian aid arrived at the Simon Bolivar International Bridge and were stuck at the crossing.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The President of Colombia has also made a genuine commitment to implementing and advancing the goal of stabilization in the peace agreements signed. Colombia recognizes, and its President has confirmed, that legality, the rule of law and democracy are the forms of coexistence that ensure peace and the future of citizens. The Security Council cannot fail to heed the demands of Venezuelans who aspire to live with freedom, well-being and democracy. Allow me to take a few more minutes, but obviously the events that have transpired in my country oblige me to do so. I will address two or three aspects. The preliminary report to which I referred clearly indicates that, at noon, four trucks arrived carrying humanitarian aid, with almost 50 people in each truck.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The members of the Lima Group know that very well and the international community knows it too. One fundamental principle is that we decided to share this experience to strengthen and rescue democracy for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. Within multilateral forums, we will of course continue working to ensure that the relevant resolutions and sanctions are adopted and complaints lodged following the events of 23 February. Colombia has endured violence. We understand very well the suffering of our people and are working tirelessly to ease it. The Ambassador of Russia made a few observations that are truly surprising because, with the help of the Council and the various organizations and agencies of the United Nations, we are making progress with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The Lima Group, with the presence of President Juan Guaido at its meeting, will continue with his consent to provide humanitarian aid, guided by the responsibility of the international community, use diplomatic and humanitarian means to support the population in need, achieve democratic transition, call free elections, restore constitutional order and achieve institutional, economic and social reconstruction in Venezuela. That firm conviction is contained in the historic declaration issued at the 11th meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Lima Group, which states that the transition to democracy must be spearheaded peacefully by Venezuelans themselves, within the framework of the Constitution and international law, supported by political and diplomatic means, without the use of force.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The facts are surprising. The entire world saw them. It is very easy to twist and manipulate the facts, including the memory of Bolivar, but there can be no doubt about the fact that Colombia, too, has information about the events as they occurred minute by minute. We are ready to submit that information and share it with the Security Council so that members know that what has been said is the absolute truth and reality. The coordination effort of the Lima Group has shown the usurping regime that its dictatorship is increasingly isolated as a result of its deliberate actions against the Venezuelan people.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“I have with me the protocols of the operation that took place on Saturday. I invite the Security Council to look at the information with us. I would like the Security Council to delve deeply into the protocols that clearly reflect what was done hour by hour. An additional report issued by the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, which assisted in the operation, is also available. It would be very easy to write a novel about what happened on Saturday. As one eminent Colombian has said, if you lie and lie some more, something will stick. I invite Council members to look at the protocols and compare them to the information Mr. Arreaza provided here today. I too have photographs that I could pass around in the Security Council but, out of respect for colleagues who have not yet spoken, I will not do so.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The response of the illegitimate regime that has imposed the tyranny of fear, repression and violence as a mechanism of intimidation, and has organized collectives of armed civilians, is known to all. Despite the insistent appeals of the international community, they have blocked access to the assistance offered, even going so far as burning aid that had managed to cross the border. While thousands of Venezuelan citizen volunteers tried to deliver aid to improve the lives of their families, the dictator celebrated with indifference to the agony, anguish and despair inflicted on his people. That merely reiterated what was already clear to everyone. The dictatorship stopped thinking about its people years ago and its actions on the weekend have sealed its moral and diplomatic defeat.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Eduardo Stein as Special Representative for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, in order to meet the needs caused by the mass exodus. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia noted yesterday, "with the support of the Lima Group, several countries made a considerable effort to facilitate the operation of a humanitarian channel, provide basic international assistance and alleviate, even partially, the serious humanitarian situation affecting so many Venezuelans". Since its first declaration in August 2017 - and not just recently - the Lima Group has pointed out the need for humanitarian aid and repeatedly asked the dictatorial regime not to impede the entry and transit of humanitarian aid to Venezuelans. Those are the facts.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Likewise, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in Venezuela the prevalence of hunger almost tripled between 2010 and 2012 and between 2015 and 2017. An estimated 3.7 million Venezuelans, like those I just mentioned, were undernourished between 2015 and 2017. Those statistics are from the organizations Ijust mentioned and are contained in sobering reports issued to the world. Given the increasing flow of migration from Venezuela to the countries of the region, in September 2018, at the request of the Colombian Government and convinced about the urgent need to provide the Venezuelan people with humanitarian aid and the good offices of the Secretary-General, UNHCR and IOM announced the appointment of Mr.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“More than 50 nations of the world recognize interim President Juan Guaido and the legitimate authority of the National Assembly and agree on the need to recover freedom and democracy for Venezuela. The serious situation in that brotherly country is one of the most intense in the history of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is marked by massive human rights violations, a deep economic recession, an erosion of the separation of powers and an unprecedented humanitarian and migration crisis that has spilled beyond its borders and affected Colombia. According to statistics from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), food shortages, lack of medicine and medical supplies have led 3.4 million Venezuelans to abandon their homes.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Mr. Fernandez de Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We thank you, Sir, for convening this second meeting on the issue at hand, which is of the utmost importance to Colombia and my region. We also thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Our presence in the Council is a reaffirmation of an essential principle underpinning my country's international relations - our belief in multilateralism to uphold the values of the Charter of the United Nations and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Let there be no doubt about that. The meeting of the Lima Group that took place yesterday in Bogota is an excellent example of the validity of multilateral action.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“We understand multilateralism to be the natural space within which to share concerns in order to develop common solutions - even more so in today's world where global problems require global solutions. The United Nations can count on Colombia.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The added value of the involvement of regional organizations in the prevention and resolution of conflicts should not be seen as a substitute for national ownership, which is a sine qua non requirement for the achievement of positive and effective results in such situations. I would like to conclude by referring to the remarks of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, made in the context of the seventy-third anniversary of the United Nations and in the presence of the country team in Colombia, which with 23 agencies and programmes is one of the Organization's largest in the world. On that occasion Foreign Minister Trujillo Garcia stated that Colombia has a multilateralist Government. Colombia has been a friend of multilateralism, and it will continue to strengthen multilateralism.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Regional and subregional organizations, owing to their proximity, knowledge and shared historical and cultural links, are called on to play a more relevant role in prevention and peacebuilding activities, some of which we have witnessed in initiatives such as the OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Haiti or our regional body's Electoral Observation Mission, among others. In that context, the African Union is another tangible example. On many occasions, as has been pointed out here, the African Union, thanks to its geographical proximity and direct knowledge, has responded in times of crisis and has carried out actions that have subsequently garnered consensus within the international community.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“It is essential to strengthen the multilateral system and to implement all established or defined mechanisms so that multilateralism can fulfil the purposes of its existence. In that sense, in our region the Organization of American States has legal, significant tools for building consensus and defining strategies that provide access to States and in-depth knowledge ofthe specific conditions of situations on the ground, making that regional organization a decisive interlocutor in the success of the objectives proposed by the United Nations to prevent the escalation of conflicts and restore democratic order.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Reality has shown us without a doubt that such threats cannot be addressed unilaterally - whether they involve mass migration resulting from the breakdown of the democratic system, the shortage of medicines or food in the community of the affected country; or the challenges of facing effectively, and from a perspective of shared responsibility, phenomena such as the global problem of illicit drugs and transnational crimes, which know no borders or profit from weakened borders; or when the institutional order of a country breaks down, which leads to disregard for constitutional and legal principles to the detriment of the population and the commission of clear and serious violations of the human rights that are recognized by international instruments. The conclusion is clear.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“That constant is reflected in our foreign policy, which led to our becoming a founding member of the United Nations and of the Organization of American States (OAS). It is undeniable that the characteristics and dynamics of the threats to international peace and security that we face today have changed. Currently, most conflicts are of a domestic nature and require States to respond to attacks on democratic structures and principles, and they often trigger various kinds of humanitarian crises. That all has repercussions on entire regions, extending beyond the country affected, and requiring various forms of global cooperation.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Mr. Fernandez de Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate Cote d'Ivoire on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to highlight the importance of the holding of this open debate for my country and region. We welcome all efforts aimed at improving communication between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, as posited by the Security Council in resolution 1631 (2005). History reminds us, day after day, that the solidity of the global institutions that ensure the effective maintenance of international peace and security emanates from the commitment of all States to multilateralism. Colombia has always placed its trust in the search for diplomatic and peaceful multilateral solutions.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“We share the concerns expressed by civil society about situations in Colombia in which women social leaders and human rights defenders have been threatened or killed. We will continue to redouble our efforts to strengthen the existing institutional framework and to accelerate investigations and protection measures against that scourge. Our lessons learned on the role of women in achieving and building peace can be applied in other contexts and regions. Women and girls play a fundamental role in my country. We believe firmly in their role in the building of democratic and inclusive societies.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“It is important for us to continue to prioritize the promotion of women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as in peacebuilding. During the peace process we signed nearly two years ago, there were women among the peace negotiators at the negotiating table and a gender subcommittee was formed to ensure the inclusion of a gender-sensitive approach in the peace agreement. That achievement was acknowledged by the Secretary-General when he affirmed that Colombia's peace agreement contained more than 100 gender-specific provisions. This week, President Duque announced that we had to make rapid progress in achieving the highest rate of women's participation in our armed forces' leadership, for which Colombia has made major reforms that we will continue to strengthen.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“International commitments in that area should reflect the recognition and guarantee of women's rights. We must ensure that they are integrated into foreign policy and all sectors at the State level. In that regard, and with the aim of promoting women's participation and empowerment in delivering sustainable development throughout our country, our forthcoming new national development plan will include a section on gender parity in public policy, a plan to guarantee a life free of violence, the prevention of adolescent pregnancy, the establishment of a gender equality centre and care for victims of conflict. Colombia's experience with regard to the topic of this open debate is known to the entire Security Council.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“For the first time in its history, Colombia has a woman in the position of Vice-President of the Republic, who, in addition to her own duties, has been tasked with supporting the President in promoting gender parity. The President has also formed the first gender-balanced Cabinet in the history of Colombia, since eight of the 16 ministries are led by women. It is crucial to promote women's political and economic empowerment by example and through concrete actions. It is the only way we can help to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women. In Colombia's view, with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, gender parity and women's empowerment must continue to be critical issues on the international agenda.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We appreciate the reference to Colombia and its peace process in the concept note for this open debate (S/2018/904, annex) as a positive example of the implementation of the contents of resolution 1325 (2000), although, as you rightly said, Mr. President, we still have many challenges ahead of us. We know that women's participation and political and economic empowerment, and the promotion of their leadership, are essential to achieving the goal ofa peaceful and inclusive society based on the principles of legality, entrepreneurship and equality. That is why I would like to highlight two milestones that have marked the two months since the Government of President Ivan Duque Marquez took power.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Mr. Fernandez de Soto Valderrama (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Sir, in your capacity as President of the Security Council, for convening today's open debate on women and peace and security. It is a special privilege for me that my first statement as Permanent Representative of my country is on that topic, on which Colombia has so many lessons learned to share with the international community. I would also like to express my appreciation for the briefings and contributions of Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, and civil- society representative Randa Siniora Atallah.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source