YouSaid · the spoken record

Mejia Velez

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246

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2014-03-07

most recent

2018-08-29

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42

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un-security-council

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1. “For military force alone will never be enough to vanquish terrorism, and events have proven repeatedly that we cannot associate terrorism with a single country, region, religion, culture or set of specific social conditions. Addressing the growing phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters requires that we take multilateral measures agreed to on the basis of consensus, in an inclusive and participatory manner, strengthen national legal frameworks, identify best practices and share successful experiences for strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Regarding the funding of such groups, much emphasis has been placed on the payment of ransoms for kidnapping.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

2. “As recently stated by the Secretary-General, we must respond to terrorism by collectively strengthening all our efforts and policies in the fight against terrorism and ensuring that they are consistent with international human rights norms and humanitarian law, and that all the measures we undertake are in line with the goals, values and universal principles of the United Nations. In Colombia's view, it is vital that we adopt a sustained and comprehensive approach that includes reobust measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, such as a lack of social and economic development, as highlighted this morning.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

3. “Our response must be clear and unanimous, as has been reflected in all of the statements made today. There are no circumstances or conditions that justify such acts. Colombia is a country that has been a victim of terrorism, as the Council well knows, and has suffered its consequences. We are therefore committed to combating it, and we express our full solidarity with its victims. It is clear that terrorism is a global threat that manifests itself in different ways in different regions of the world and does not spare anyone. That requires us to take measures in line with the principles shared by all humankind.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

4. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): As this is my delegation's first time to address the Security Council during Australia's presidency, let me wish you, Madam President, and your delegation every success and congratulate you on your presidency. I believe that the statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning set the pace for our reflection on the challenge that terrorism represents today for all of us. We are grateful for the concept note (S/2014/787, annex) provided to the Council, which also serves as a point of reference. Colombia rejects and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirms that it is not justified under any circumstances. We have increasingly witnessed the brutality of those who resort to terrorism as a means to achieve their ends.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

5. “We are therefore continuing to work on the main challenges facing the Government, and reintegrating with full rights the victims affected by internal conflict, especially women, is a priority. That is a difficult goal, but we will work to achieve it, adopting policies to promote participation in a post-conflict society and to create situations where our commitment can continue to translate to promoting a society living in peace, where women and especially girls enjoy full rights and guarantees. I would like to explain my country's position on this and am prepared to share experiences and to exchange views with other countries if requested.”

   2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

6. “The single victims' register for identifying and registering their needs has been a very interesting process: we have already managed to ascertain that 49 per cent of victims of violence in my country are women. The gender equality policy adopted in 2003 sought to guarantee women lives free of violence and has allowed us to develop and implement sustainable actions longer-term over the past decade. Finally, the law against sexual Violence was enacted to provide preferential treatment whereby the burden of proof does not fall on the Victim. All those measures are designed to have an impact on the whole of Colombian society and to put us on a path that will enable us to build a sustainable, consensus-based, lasting peace. Finally, despite everything, Colombia is aware that we have a long road ahead of us.”

   2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

7. “This recognition in the Secretary-General report is important to the State of Colombia, not least as it drives us to continue making progress to consolidate that differential focus based on the knowledge that peace processes cannot succeed without the active participation of women. When it comes to refugees and displacement, it is clear that women constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in the world. I would like to refer to four specific measures from the lessons learned in our country that could be useful to our discussion today. The law for victims and comprehensive and accessible reparations programmes were adopted in 2011.”

   2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

8. “The Secretary-General's report of 24 September refers to the specific actions and steps taken by the State of Colombia. For the sake of brevity, I will leave it for members to read for themselves, but there are five mentions in the report to our satisfaction because they reflect significant steps and progress that other States could implement. I will refer to just one of them: women's fully empowered participation in conflict resolution. There are two women in the five-person team participating in today's peace talks in Havana. Women constitute an impressive group of mediators and special envoys, as well as members of civil society and victims, on the Government and insurgent sides alike.”

   2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

9. “The Government of Colombia has always attached great importance to this topic, and never more than today as we are engaged in what we hope is an irreversible peace process resolving more than five decades of conflict in which women were lamentably the victims of a great deal of such violence. Colombia is aware that, as mentioned in the concept note (S/2014/693, annex), women's socioeconomic, cultural and political autonomy are fundamental elements for living free from violence, enjoying democracy, international stability and lasting peace. This recognition, in our case, is based on our belief and the commitments made 15 years ago in resolution 1325 (2000), which are reflected in the public policy implemented in our country.”

   2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

10. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I express my thanks to the Secretary- General for his report (S/2014/693). I also thank the Assistant Secretary-General, the Executive Director of UN-Women and the High Commissioner for Refugees. I also thank you, Madam President, for having convened this open debate on the occasion of the issuing of the report of the Secretary-General on such a sensitive matter at such a critical moment for international affairs. I have first-hand knowledge of your work and deep commitment to issues relating to women and peace and security, Madam President, stretching back many years.”

    2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

11. “On the contrary, it would affect many more areas of the mission, which undertakes invaluable efforts in areas such as institution-building, decentralization, and disaster mitigation and response in a country that we have seen to be extremely vulnerable to such disasters, including technical electoral assistance and stronger support for the Haitian National Police. We therefore raise a voice of caution against possible further reductions in MINUSTAH. Such a decision should always be linked to strengthening the conditions to enable the Haitian people to restore full democratic normality, as well as stronger and improved economic and social conditions. That is ultimately what the international community seeks.”

    2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source

12. “With regard to an accelerated reduction of MINUSTAH, which could also mean setbacks in the achievements made, in particular the necessary support for the holding of elections to reaffirm the democratic vision of Haiti that we have historically seen in our region, we are concerned that the decision must not be made solely on the basis of the conditions on the ground, but also taking into account budgetary factors. The upcoming elections on 14 October and the presidential elections of 2015 represents an enormous challenge that requires the due support and ongoing backing of the international community and of MINUSTAH and its military and police components, in which Colombia actively participates. We should not lose sight of the fact that a reduction in MINUSTAH is not limited solely to troop numbers - for example, to one or two contingents.”

    2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source

13. “Colombia joins its voice to the urgent call of all participants to the Haitian political actors to discharge their duty towards their citizens, who elect them, and to ensure stronger democracy in Haiti. As has been said, it is clear that there has been progress in areas such as ensuring security, reducing violence and relocating many displaced persons to camps. There has also been clear progress in increased economic growth and a positive gross domestic product, as well as efforts to attract foreign investment and to develop agriculture. We have witnessed that in person on the ground. However, there are still many challenges.”

    2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source

14. “Security, stability and achieving more dignified conditions forthe people ofHaiti, as well as strengthening the institutional capacities of its democracy, must remain the priorities of the international community's commitment to Haiti. It is the only country on our American continent that still has a United Nations stabilization mission, as its Permanent Representative Ambassador Regis, whom I welcome, has just recalled. We therefore share the concern of the Secretary-General about the impasse in adopting the electoral law in the Senate and the holding of the long-awaited legislative, municipal and local elections elections in October, as was planned.”

    2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source

15. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Madam President, and all Security Council members for the dedication and for having chosen to convene this debate on the situation in Haiti. We also thank Special Representative Sandra Honore for her detailed briefing to the Security Council and her tireless commitment, to which many of us have borne witness in the field itself. We also thank you, Madam President, for your part in the invitation of the Secretary-General, who recently visited us in the region. Colombia associates itself with the statement made by the Ambassador of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti.”

    2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source

16. “But we have the tools at our disposal, as well as the clear politial will, to work with the boys and girls of our country. That is their right, as well as our responsibility.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

17. “The relationship that Colombia has established with the United Nations system in the course of many years, including its agencies, has been one of cooperation and support during even the most difficult moments of the conflict that we want to leave behind, without failing to take on the lessons learned. My task, therefore, is to build up a harmonious and stable relationship of mutual respect with the system through which it can be possible to improve conditions on the ground so that Colombia - having signed a peace agreement and implemented the principles set out in the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, which we resolutely support- is never again included in the Secretary-General's report on this issue. Our commitment is indisputible. It is clear that there is much left to do and that for us in Colombia there is always room for improvement.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

18. “The law was a historic milestone for Colombia, in that it set up a process for reparations - in fact, it began before the agreements were even signed. We are prepared to share with everyone the drawbacks, successes and difficulties as we learn from our experience on the ground. In the period covered by the report of the Secretary-General, with a view to opening up space to educate populations at risk on issues relating to anti-personnel mines and preventing recruitment and sexual Violence against children, we have put in place a genuinely innovative national system to provide care and comprehensive recovery. That mechanism allows for evaluating the victim-recovery process not just in the urban areas of our country, but also in rural parts of Colombia - which is more difficult - where we daily continue to face the confrontation.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

19. “Zerrougi pointed out in her briefing. For us there are no victims more important than others. But we especially aim to avoid that women, which according to our constitutional court have suffered a disproprotionate brunt, as well as boys, girls and adolescents in Colombia continue to suffer the severity of the conflict. On the contrary, we aim to ensure that the next generation can grow and flourish as individuals and citizens for the first time living in an atmosphere of peace. And we are not confining ourselves to political rhetoric. As we have said here in previous debates, the Government of President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon has succeeded in passing a law through Congress concerning victims and property resitution. That marks significant progress on the right track.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

20. “Although the situation in Columbia is not on the Security Council's agenda, we have been mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General. It is clear that the internal conflict in Colombia has affected our citizens. And, as the Special Representative has correctly pointed out, the conflict has impacted children through actions that Colombia's Government and society resolutely reject. Therefore, since August 2012, we have been working on a general agreement on an end to the conflict and the building of stable and lasting peace. In the course of converstations at the dialogue table in Havana, the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are discussing the fifth point of the agenda on victims, including special provisions in peace agreements with regard to children affected by the conflict, as Ms.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

21. “I thank you very much, Sir, for convening this very important open debate. I also thank the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg and the group of friends of this cause. (spoke in Spanish) I wish to express my appreciation for the very moving words spoken by the briefers, including Mr. Whitaker, Sandra Uwiringiyimana and Ms. Brandt. I say that because we are experiencing a time of great upheaval owing to a state of conflict that impacts international peace, security and stability. I would like to say that, having listened to Ms. Zerrougi this morning and having read the discouraging report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2014/339), I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for her work. In the case of my country, Colombia, her efforts have provided genuine and effective support to face up to this problem.”

    2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source

22. “Finally, Sir, as you yourself have mentioned, along with several others, regional organizations can play a significant role thanks to their cumulative experience, which includes creative practices that have on numerous occasions shown themselves to be effective in both conflict prevention and conflict resolution. In Latin America, a region with a traditionally pacifist calling, we have acquired extremely valuable experience in that sphere through the establishment of regional organizations such as the Union of South American Nations, which has enabled us to contribute through a number of initiatives to the pacific resolution of conflicts. I would like to assure you, Mr. President, and the Security Council of our firm support.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

23. “The United Nations has the duty to make them available, the States to use them and societies to make them their own. At the same time, Sir, I congratulate you for including women as fundamental agents for conflict prevention in your concept note for this debate (S/2014/572, annex). We should not forget that women and their families, their children and their societies are those most affected by conflict. Great importance should therefore be attached to their active participation in all decision-making processes with respect to peace and its post-conflict sustainability. Women's networks in my country have been vital channels for protecting agreements and limiting the return to scenarios of violence. That is why I call for their full inclusion in the process of decision-making and their active participation in the search for peace.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

24. “I take this opportunity to thank the international community for its support and contribution to this peace that Colombia has yearned for over such a long time. My country has already begun to prepare the necessary conditions for lasting peace. For that reason, the post-conflict period has emerged as a pre-eminent stage in securing stability and must be accompanied by the economic and social development that will allow for an inclusive society as well as by the promotion and defence of human rights to ensure that peace will be sustainable in the medium and, we all hope, the long term. For that reason I reiterate our support for the invocation by the Security Council of the mechanisms and tools established by Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations in order to promote a culture of prevention.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

25. “For a number of decades, Colombia has undertaken a variety of efforts to establish dialogues that would allow for a rapprochement with armed outlaw actors in order to bring about, in a constructive manner, an innovative solution to the ongoing crisis. Now, for the first time, we are seeing a real possibility of achieving a negotiated peace in the near term by applying an innovative process, using our own methodologies, that includes measures for preventing the relapse into violent action in the post-conflict period. We know that the nature of contemporary conflict is ever more complex and that there is a high likelihood of relapse if, as a number of today's speakers have pointed out, timely preventive measures are not taken that allow for greater equity and equal opportunities.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

26. “We also know that, unfortunately, when the necessary measures are not taken in a timely manner to prevent crises, the ensuing crises can go on indefinitely, exacerbating the institutional instability and economic and social vulnerability of many of our States. Such conflict scenarios grow even more pronounced over time and become ever more complex, making an appropriate response that much more difficult. It is clear that, when a war becomes prolonged, it also deteriorates, so that its cause and origin are lost, and people forget that, even in times of war, there are established norms under international humanitarian law that require the protection of civilians - a principle unfortunately overlooked.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

27. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate on a topic of the greatest importance for the international community. This provides an opportunity for us to seek support as we attempt to understand how the Security Council and the United Nations system can make a meaningful contribution to conflict prevention, a topic of special relevance to my country. Through its experience over more than five decades, Colombia knows all too well the ravages that conflict can cause. For that reason, I personally welcome the words of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay and her reference to her Office's efforts to establish a climate of respectful dialogue. We know how important dialogue is.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

28. “Bangura can certainly rely on our commitment to continuing to comply with the various Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1960 (2010), and to coordinate with the United Nations agencies, always provided that they are in full agreement in the national authorities.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

29. “All of this demonstrates the Colombian Government's political resolve to deal with the phenomenon here. I should not like to conclude without referring to the recommendations in the report, and in particular that on the 2012 the legal framework for peace and its implementation. To paraphrase Ms. Bangura, we need to move from legislation to implementation. We need to strengthen the institutional and legal framework so that all citizens can enjoy the necessary means to be sure of access to truth, justice and reparation for all conflict- related sexual violence. This is our daily priority. As the report suggests, Ms.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

30. “Bangura knows, often occurs - through a comprehensive programme that provides opportunities and safe havens for boys, girls and adolescents in districts where there is likely to be a high level of recruitment of minors. We call these safe havens "leisure houses" where children can come into contact with art, sports and new technologies during after-school hours, which are often prolonged in our villages and countryside. These havens are very well designed, with the help of our communities. This year, they will be established in 25 municipalities. Fifthly, I should like to emphasize the active role of two women, plenipotentiaries of the Government of Colombia in the peace process. They represent a necessary complementary perspective in the decision-making process to put an end to conflict in my country.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

31. “The strategy seeks to identify the barriers that often hinder access to justice and care for women victims of sexual violence. Thirdly, in an historic achievement, the Defence Ministry issued a protocol for the armed forces on the prevention of and response to sexual violence, in particular in conflict, which was drafted with civil society and the United Nations office in Colombia. Capacity-building was implemented for 350,000 soldiers and police officers in order to ensure its due implementation. Fourthly, our Ministry for Foreign Affairs, led by Ms. Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, began in 2011 to promote initiatives to prevent the participation of boys and girls in armed conflict - which, as Ms.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

32. “First, Colombia adopted a victims and land restitution law in 2011, which included such huge advances as in a programme to heal and fully reintegrate victims and survivors of sexual violence in particular, highlighting the problem and earmarking the necessary resources for compensation, 57 per cent of which go to women. Secondly, in 2013, the year covered by the report, the Colombian Government through its National Council on Economic and Social Policy, which guides all Government policies nationally and locally where conflict generally breaks out, promulgated an inter-institutional strategy to combat impunity and provide comprehensive care to victims of gender- based violence in the framework of armed conflict, in particular victims of sexual violence.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

33. “That is why, in reading the report (S/2014/181) we are discussing in this open debate, convened by the Nigerian presidency, I should have liked to have seen recognition of the progress made by Colombia in its public policy, domestic legislation and the implementation of both. We should also like to have seen the report reflect the crucial political juncture that, as we move towards peace after 50 years of conflict, initiated by President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, and which we hope will lead to a peace agreement with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia. This is a position of principle with respect not only to sexual violence against women in conflict, but also to all victims in general.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

34. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Colombia has just lived through five decades of armed conflict that particularly affected the most vulnerable groups among our people, children and women, who are nearly always in the most isolated and rural areas. We face many huge challenges. Obviously, a country that has experienced such prolonged conflict has also suffered from the aberrant conduct of illegal armed groups, which particularly affect our women and girls. Therefore, as a representative of my Government, but first and foremost as a woman and Colombian citizen, I should like to emphasize the fact that we are guided by our firm conviction that we should not tolerate the existence of one single victim. Colombia aspires to an end of conflict and the acheivement of lasting peace.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

35. “Colombia calls for the responsible gradual drawdown of MINUSTAH, taking into account the points raised in the latest report of the Secretary- General, which notes that there are still important gaps when it comes to institutions and security. The upcoming legislative, municipal and local elections and the presidential elections of 2015 represent a challenge in the consolidation of democracy in Haiti requiring appropriate support and assistance from the international community, primarily through MINUSTAH.”

    2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source

36. “Since 2013, following calls from the Council to broaden the role of women in peacekeeping, our schools have trained Haitian women police officers in Colombia and, in the field of development cooperation, we support training in the areas of coffee production, food and nutritional security, the refurbishment of housing and basic sanitation, neighbourhood regeneration and support for technical training. Security, stability, better living conditions for the Haitian people and strengthened democratic institutions must continue to be the focus of the international community's commitment to Haiti. It is clear that MINUSTAH cannot continue indefinitely, but we must be cautious when considering its gradual drawdown, because the achievements attained must not be put at risk.”

    2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source

37. “The elections represent a significant challenge that will require support and assistance from the international community, primarily through the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). However, it is clear that Haiti still faces multiple challenges. That is why I take this opportunity to reiterate Colombia's continuous support to Ms. Honore and the valuable work of MINUSTAH to ensure the lasting well-being of the Haitian people, to whom we South Americans owe a historic debt as they help us towards our own national independence. Colombia participates in MINUSTAH. Our police are supporting the fight against the global drug problem, transnational organized crime, extortion and kidnapping.”

    2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source

38. “Ms. Mejia Velez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): First, I wish to thank you, Madam President, for having convened this debate on the situation in Haiti. I recognize and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honore, for the detailed report she presented to the Security Council today (S/2014/162). Colombia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti recognizing the progress made in strengthening democracy in the country. The enactment of the Electoral Act and the collaboration among the various parties and the Government of President Martelly with a View to holding legislative, municipal and local elections are encouraging signs.”

    2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source

39. “Every case must be analysed on an individual basis and the appropriate response to the circumstances, as well the specific context, of each situation should be found. The Government of Colombia is working with the full conviction that the rebuilding of society in post- conflict situations, if we are to achieve the peace that we so deeply desire as Colombians, should be established on the basis ofprotection for boys and girls. As underscored by President Santos Calderon himself, Colombia seeks genuine peace - peace that will ensure non-repetition, contribute to an environment of reconciliation and heal the wounds of confrontation, and give my country its first generation in a long time of children who grow up in an environment of peace, security and prosperity.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

40. “I therefore want to emphasize, as our Ambassador indicated to the Council last year (see S/PV.6980), we believe that the implementation of the mechanism set out in resolution 1612 (2005) should also be sharply focused on strengthening the existing international pressure brought to bear on illegal armed groups to put an end to their violent actions and the recruitment of minors. Similarly, we also believe that we should always bear in mind that in dealing with this issue, the Council should consider the situations and focus on those where there are armed groups that indeed threaten international peace and security, and establish distinctions with those situations that are not on its agenda.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

41. “The focus should be on cooperation, prevention and the development of national capacities to prevent, combat and respond to this kind of problem, which confers on us the moral obligation to provide a brighter future for any society that calls for it. In 2013, the National Centre for Historical Memory, which was established by the Government of Colombia as part of the peace process and through the law for victims and the restoration of land, published a heartrending report entitled "Enough already: a memoir of war and dignity", which recounts the very valiant way in which women in particular demanded that illegal groups return their children, who had been tricked into being recruited or had simply been recruited against their will.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

42. “The committee brings together 23 national, regional and local entities that address the prevention of sexual violence against girls and boys. That strategy has produced encouraging results. We have not achieved everything we wanted to, and we are not able to declare a complete victory, but at least 3,400 children have been dissociated from illegal groups. Some 1,160 investigations have been opened since 2003 by the country's general prosecutor concerning the rights of forcibly recruited children and the childhood of which armed groups deprived them. Colombia believes that the United Nations role in the issue of children in armed conflict deserves our attention due to the gravity and importance of the issue.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

43. “Our commitment is also evidenced in the voluntary acceptance of the mechanism, the ongoing dialogue at the political and technical levels between the national Government and the United Nations system, and the establishment and implementation of comprehensive policies to protect children from recruitment. Allow me to share with the Council that the fundamental strategy of the Colombian State includes a policy to prevent the recruitment and use of girls, boys and adolescents by illegal organized armed groups and criminal groups. Since 2010, we have been able to dedicate a significant amount - $190 million to date - to implementing that initiative. Colombia has established an intersectoral committee that, since 2007, has been working to reduce the recruitment of youth by illegal armed groups.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

44. “Zerrougui, that in the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism established under resolution 1612 (2005), any dialogue between special representatives, the United Nations team in our country or the task force of the monitoring and reporting mechanism will be possible only with the prior express agreement of the Government of Colombia, and we were thus able to work jointly. After the visit by Mrs. Graca Machel to Colombia in 1996, almost 20 years ago, to share her report on the impact of armed conflict on children (A/51/306), we adopted a law prohibiting and punishing the recruitment of children under 18 years of age by the armed forces.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

45. “Security Council resolutions on this subject not only enjoy the firm support of my Government, but also carry institutional weight, since, as established in resolution 1612 (2005) and resolution 2143 (2014), adopted today, the primary role of States in protecting and assisting girls and boys in armed conflict and developing the necessary corrective measures is recognized. Colombia agrees with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source

46. “I would like to thank you, Mr. President, the members of the Security Council, Ms. Zerrougui, and in particular Mr. Alhaji Babah Sawaneh, who today put a face and a smile on the story of so many others in places, such as Colombia, where so many children have experienced these difficulties. (spoke in Spanish) Ibelieve it is especially significant that the first time that I am participating in a Security Council debate, we are dealing with the very delicate subject of children in armed conflict. That is why I should like to express my gratitude, on Colombia's behalf, for this invitation to participate in this open debate. For a country such as my own that has faced tremendous challenges as a result of armed conflict, this is a valuable opportunity to share experiences and lessons learned on an issue that we unfortunately know all too well.”

    2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source