YouSaid · the spoken record

Ruiz Massieu

lines on the record: 218
first: 2019-01-23
most recent: 2023-10-11
sittings or episodes: 16
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

“Regarding illicit economies, the peace agreement created a crop-substitution programme to support families in transitioning away from coca cultivation to other productive endeavours. Continued support for that programme and security measures for its participants is essential. Additionally, the peace agreement provided for the development of a public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups, criminal structures and their support networks through the National Commission on Security Guarantees, which met this past Wednesday. It is urgent that this policy be established and implemented and that the Government intensify efforts to address the security situation in former conflict areas.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Cauca, Chocó, Nariño — the epicentres of violence remain the same, as the Secretary-General has reported repeatedly, and the underlying conditions are consistent: rural areas affected by a limited State presence and persistent poverty, and where illegal armed groups and criminal structures continue victimizing populations, especially ethnic communities, to control illicit economies. Each of those underlying causes of violence is addressed in different parts of the peace agreement. That is yet another reason to advance urgently with its full implementation. For instance, the development programmes with a territorial focus, one of the tools envisioned in section 1 of the peace agreement, on comprehensive rural reform, are helping to bring much- needed investments for conflict-affected populations.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Peace will not be fully achieved if the brave voices of social leaders continue to be silenced through violence and if those former combatants who laid down their weapons and are committed to their reintegration continue to be killed. The announcement yesterday by the authorities that they had thwarted a planned attempt against the life of the FARC party’s President, Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri, alias “Timochenko”, underscored the risks facing former FARC-EP members and the peace process itself and how crucially important it is to guarantee their security.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Last week, I met with Afro- Colombian leader Leyner Palacios from Bojayá and heard first-hand about the dire situation of those communities as well as of communities across the Pacific Coast. On 23 December, artist and social leader Lucy Villarreal was killed in Nariño department after conducting an art workshop for children. The killings of former FARC-EP combatants resumed on the very first day of the year, with the death, in Cauca department, of Benjamín Banguera Rosales. The perpetrators of attacks against social leaders and former combatants must be brought swiftly to justice, including both material and intellectual authors, and more effective measures are still imperative to protect these individuals and their communities.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Without proper accreditation, they are left in legal uncertainty and cannot access reintegration benefits. The pervasive violence in conflict-affected areas continues to threaten the consolidation of peace, as illustrated by several profoundly worrying developments in the last few weeks. In his report, the Secretary-General warned of the risk of more widespread violence in the department of Chocó owing to the activities of illicit armed groups. These past two weeks, communities in Bojayá, a municipality historically affected by the conflict, denounced the fact that the illegal armed group Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia had occupied territories and confined several communities, while other communities in the area remain affected by the activities of the Ejército de Liberación Nacional.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“They face higher security risks and additional obstacles to accessing basic services and educational, employment and productive opportunities. Former combatants with disabilities should also be given special attention. Sustained measures are also needed to provide protective environments for more than 2,000 children of former combatants. I welcome the 128 additional accreditations for former combatants since the Secretary-General’s September report as a positive first step in moving forward with this important matter. I also call upon all relevant actors to intensify efforts to resolve the situation of the former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) whose accreditations remain pending.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia certainly looks forward to supporting the parties in its implementation. In addition, with the approval of 12 new collective productive projects, close to 2,500 former combatants now benefit from such projects. Beyond the projects’ approval and funding, it is important to ensure their long-term viability and sustainability, including through access to land, access to technical assistance and access to markets. It is also important to increase the participation of women and the involvement of local communities so that the projects help encourage development and reconciliation. It remains necessary to continue devoting specific attention to the more than 9,000 former combatants living outside the territorial areas.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“I encourage both parties to deepen their dialogue regarding any differences on the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, especially through the mechanisms designed by the Agreement itself, such as the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement. The social mobilizations that have taken place since last November have also opened up an opportunity for constructive dialogue on peace implementation. On 27 December 2019, in a welcome development, the reintegration road map was adopted, which establishes the framework for the long-term reintegration process. Consultations between the Government, particularly the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization, and the FARC were key to the finalization of that document.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Just this past Saturday, in southern Tolima, one of the regions where the conflict began a half century ago, former combatants, the armed forces and members of the community started building a bridge together for the benefit of surrounding communities. I cannot think of a more encouraging example to begin the new year than the image of former adversaries working with a local community to build a bridge together. Those hard-won gains must be protected, preserved and built upon. The best path, as the Secretary-General again stressed in his report, is through the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“The Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition continued its invaluable work, with the active participation of victims. Thousands of former combatants, who only a few years ago were armed with weapons of war, continue to forge new lives through the opportunities provided by peace, despite many difficulties and security risks. Those and many other achievements of the peace process have been possible because of the efforts of both the Colombian Government and the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común (FARC), the support of the international community, including the Council, and because Colombians around the country — social leaders, public officials, volunteers, members of the security forces, the private sector and many others — work every day to consolidate peace in their communities.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Mr. Ruiz Massieu: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to introduce the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Colombia (S/2019/988) and to update the Security Council on the most recent developments. It is a pleasure to be here along with Foreign Minister Claudia Blum de Barberi and the Presidential Counsellor for Stabilization and Consolidation, Mr. Emilio Archila. During the year that just ended Colombia continued making significant strides in its peace process, even in the face of serious challenges, particularly in terms of security for conflict-affected communities, social leaders and former combatants. Enhanced participation and improved security in the October regional elections demonstrated the positive impact of the peace process on Colombian democracy.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“The hopes of Colombians for a peaceful and prosperous future can be realized if we all - the Government, FARC, Colombian society as a whole and the international community - work together to ensure that the letter and spirit of the peace agreement become concrete deeds and actions to improve the lives of those who have suffered the most from the conflict. The unified support of the Security Council for the peace process will continue to be of the essence. The United Nations Verification Mission, along with the country team, which has played a key role in supporting different aspects of implementation, is ready to continue doing its part to help consolidate peace.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“In that connection, the Truth Commission plays an essential role in fostering truth and reconciliation by bringing the victims to the forefront. Victims must continue to be at the centre of the peace process. This a precious opportunity to put an end to the recurrent dynamics of violence in Colombia. The United Nations remains convinced that the way forward is through a comprehensive implementation of the Final Agreement. Advancing rural development and political participation, just to cite two examples, is as important to consolidating peace as reintegrating former combatants. I have heard this conviction repeatedly expressed in the rural areas of Colombia by community activists, local authorities, peasant women and indigenous leaders.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Constructive dialogue that is inclusive of FARC should also be reflected in any further discussions on reforms related to provisions of the peace agreement, to the extent that such discussions continue. It would also be important to ensure that any such reforms have only future applications, as Foreign Minister Holmes Trujillo Garcia has previously emphasized to the Council. On 26 September, 10 former FARC-EP commanders appeared before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace to acknowledge their responsibility and to ask for forgiveness for kidnappings committed during the armed conflict. This was also an important step in the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement that are aimed at ensuring accountability, truth and reconciliation. The willingness of Colombia's victims to embrace forgiveness is inspiring.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“I welcome the National Pact for Political Culture and Non-Violence during the Electoral Campaign, signed in August by 12 national political parties, rejecting violence and calling for a peaceful and respectful campaign. It should certainly serve as an example of how dialogue can lead to consensus. Dialogue is also key to overcoming challenges in the implementation of the peace agreement. I encourage the Government and FARC to continue to engage constructively, as seen during the joint visits to the former territorial areas. In the same spirit, I hope that they make increased use of the architecture established for that purpose under the peace agreement, especially the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“There has been some progress in the implementation of various measures announced by the Government to strengthen security guarantees for former combatants and to step up investigations into those killings. But more needs to be done, including to address the continued budgetary shortfalls faced by the entity in charge of providing protection to former combatants. The departmental and local elections are less than three weeks away, and violence against candidates is affecting political parties across the ideological spectrum, including FARC, which is participating in local elections for the first time. Protection measures for all candidates should be strengthened.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Part of the solution to address this worrying situation lies with the National Commission on Security Guarantees, which was convened by President Duque in August and is tasked with formulating, with input from civil society, a public policy for the dismantling of criminal organizations and their support networks. It is essential that regular discussions be held on this issue and that their decisions be translated into concrete actions that, in the short term, protect all communities and consolidate State institutions in the affected areas. (Spoke in English) Unfortunately, I must report that attacks against former FARC-EP combatants continue to be of serious concern. Since my last briefing to the Council, 20 former combatants have been killed, for a total of 151 since the signing of the peace agreement.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“The situation of those admirable women is a reflection of the situation of thousands of leaders, human rights defenders and communities that continue to be victimized by violence. In this and all my visits to the territories, the same messages are heard. Communities clamour for development, basic services, security and economic opportunities through comprehensive State presence. In addition, they call for immediate strategies to improve protection and security in the regions, in cooperation with communities and local authorities. That is, undoubtedly, the promise of the peace agreement.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Now I would like to draw the Council's attention to the situation of more than 8,000 former combatants living outside the former territorial areas, who have limited access to reintegration benefits and are more vulnerable to violence and to recruitment by illegal armed groups. More should be done to support that population. (spoke in Spanish) Last week I was in the department of Putumayo, a region where more than half of whose residents are registered as victims of the conflict and yet have not received the full benefits of the signing of the peace agreement. I met with several women social leaders and it was very inspiring to see the courage and strength with which they exercise leadership on behalf of their communities and work for territorial peace, despite the many obstacles and threats to their lives.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“All reintegration efforts should involve and benefit local communities, as well as empower women. I welcome that all productive projects approved by the National Reintegration Council include a gender-sensitive approach. I trust that both parties will work together to move forward in their implementation. I am pleased to report that the Government has temporarily extended the monthly allowance, the provision of food and services and the presence of public security forces around the former territorial areas for reintegration. The decree regulating that transition was adopted on 9 September, although specific details are still pending. I welcome the announcement by the Presidential Counsellor for Stabilization and Consolidation of the extension of the monthly allowance and food services until August 2020.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“It is now more important than ever to support the women and men who remain resolutely committed to peace and to transforming their lives and those of their families and communities. Important results have been achieved in the approval of productive projects by the National Reintegration Council, but further efforts are needed given that the projects that have thus far received Government funding represent 14.7 per cent of the accredited former combatants. It is critical to accelerate the pace of disbursement of funding and to guarantee access to land. Additionally, it is fundamental for all actors to ensure that these projects become sustainable so that former combatants and surrounding communities can see lasting results from their hard work.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“It is important to emphasize the commitment of these former combatants to the peace process, especially given the regrettable and unjustified actions of a few former FARC-EP commanders, who recently announced that they have taken up arms again. I would like to recognize the swift and categorical rejection of these actions by all sectors across the country, including the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC) political party, which has expelled those who took up arms again, and certainly by President Duque Marquez and his Government. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace also declared that all those who announced their rearmament would be excluded and lose the benefits provided under the peace agreement.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Two years after the successful conclusion of the laying down of arms by the former guerrillas of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), the vast majority of former fighters remain engaged and committed to the Final Agreement for the Termination of Conflict and the Construction ofa Stable and Lasting Peace. Thousands of former fighters are pursuing academic studies, receiving vocational training, participating actively in cooperatives and employed in activities related to the peace agreement. More than 3,500 combatants are involved in collective and individual productive projects, ranging from agricultural ventures to clothing manufacturing to ecotourism.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ruiz Massieu: I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to present the latest report of the Secretary- General on Colombia (S/2019/780). I welcome the participation in today's meeting of Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and Mr. Emilio Archila, Presidential Counsellor for Stabilization and Consolidation, and thank them for their support of the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. The peace process has continued to move forward through a challenging period since the last briefing (see S/PV.8581).”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“The Colombian peace process is an outstanding example of how much support the United Nations can provide when the Council is firmly united. Its continued commitment is needed to help Colombia secure the peace.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Finally, I reiterate that truly sustainable peace requires parallel progress in all components of the final agreement, including comprehensive rural reform, the substitution of illicit crops, security guarantees, the reintegration of former combatants and justice and reparations for the victims. (spoke in English) The peace agreement has resulted in thousands of lives being saved. It has generated opportunities for victims and their families to heal and receive justice, and has enabled economic development for vast stretches of the country that were ravaged by war for decades. As was mentioned repeatedly during the visit, the Council's steadfast and unified support has been critical to those achievements, and the Colombian people and institutions are deeply grateful to the Security Council.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“(spoke in Spanish) On 15 July, President Duque enacted one of the Government's proposed constitutional reforms, which focuses on provisions of the Final Agreement for the Termination of Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Lasting Peace for dealing with certain crimes, but clearly establishes that it applies only to future peace processes. This principle of non-retroactivity is critical to providing legal security. We are confident that next week, when Congress begins a new term, the issues related to the implementation of the peace agreement will be discussed in conformity with the spirit and essence of the agreement and through inclusive dialogue. In that connection, allow me to reiterate the call of the Secretary-General for Colombians to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Thepastfewweekshavebeenmarkedbytheincreased participation of victims in the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition. For instance, on 26 June the Truth Commission held its first national event on truth, focused on victims of sexual violence during the conflict. Colombia's innovative model of restorative justice is starting to deliver on its promise to ensure justice and reparations for the victims. Continued support for the comprehensive system, including adequate financial resources, is of the essence.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“The presence of illegal armed groups in former conflict areas affects all actors present in those areas, including members of the public security forces, whose deaths at the hands of these groups we also strongly deplore. In this context, the importance of establishing an integrated presence of the State - both security and civilian institutions - in conflict-affected areas cannot be overstated. It is not surprising that local communities and authorities have been unanimous in their desire for the territorial areas for training and reintegration to remain, as the resulting increased presence of State institutions has brought improvements in security and economic activity. The implementation of the development programmes with a territorial focus should also have a positive effect in bringing much- needed investments to these areas.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“The subcommission of the National Commission on Security Guarantees recently met to receive inputs from civil society organizations, but we remain concerned that the Commission itself has not met for many months. Its mandate, which is the design and implementation of a public policy to dismantle criminal organizations, is essential to putting a stop to these killings. It is important to note that the Government has just announced protective measures for leaders of the National Comprehensive Programme for the Substitution of Illicit Crops. I welcome those measures, as well as recent efforts to implement a comprehensive programme to address the specific situation of women leaders. These populations are particularly vulnerable to threats from criminal armed groups and deserve the special attention they are being given.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“These elections will be another important step in the political reintegration of the FARC. To date, the party has registered more than 120 candidates, approximately half of whom are former combatants. Additional steps must be taken to ensure their security, as well as that of candidates from all other political parties. We remain gravely concerned about the situation of social leaders and human rights defenders. As was mentioned earlier, one leader from Cauca, Francia Marquez, was not able to attend the meeting with the Council after being threatened by an illegal armed group. The plight of hundreds of brave leaders under threat around the country is unacceptable.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“One of those killed was a former mid-level commander who had been active in the negotiations in Havana and was leading a productive project. The Special Investigation Unit of the Office of the Attorney General reports advances in half of the cases of killings of former combatants. This progress is key, as timely investigations are essential to combating impunity, including for the intellectual authors of these crimes. In this context, we welcome the new measures announced by President Duque Marquez to improve security and protection for former combatants. Sufficient resources should also be provided to the National Protection Unit, which provides protection for FARC members. It is important to make every effort so that the upcoming October elections can be as peaceful as last year's presidential and legislative elections.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Proper attention must also be paid to the approximately 8,000 former combatants living outside the territorial areas, including in new settlements and urban areas. All actors involved in supporting the reintegration process must recognize this changing landscape and adapt strategies accordingly with a view to providing these former combatants with reintegration options and security guarantees. As the Council heard directly from communities in Cauca, the security situation is extremely concerning in former conflict areas. Since the Secretary-General's report was issued three weeks ago, four more former combatants have been killed, bringing the number of former FARC-EP members killed since the peace agreement was signed to 127.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“The Government has reassured former combatants ofits commitment to formalizing land arrangements for the territorial areas for training and reintegration and to maintain the monthly allowance for former combatants. It is essential to ensure the adequate resources to meet Government goals for housing, health, education and childcare. It is urgent to increase the number of productive projects for former combatants and to provide the necessary technical assistance and access to markets in order to ensure their sustainability. Both parties have a responsibility to re-energize the process ofpresentation, approval and disbursement of funding for the projects. Communities, ethnic populations and women should be at the centre of these efforts.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“In May, five former combatants and three community members, who have become rafting trainers as part of an ecotourism project, competed under the Colombian flag at the World Rafting Championships in Australia. The support of the Government, local communities and the international community, among others, has been instrumental in making this possible. Over the past six weeks, the Government and the FARC, joined by the Mission, have undertaken visits to the ten territorial areas to discuss their future with former combatants, communities and local authorities. We commend both the Government and the FARC for their flexibility and willingness to find mutually agreeable solutions. This successful joint effort led by the Government to overcome a hurdle in implementation through dialogue should set an example to advance in other areas.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It is also important to highlight that, despite some recent examples to the contrary, the great majority of former FARC-EP members, as well as the leadership of the FARC party, remain strongly committed to the peace process. This commitment is reflected in their participation in Congress, their preparations to take part in the upcoming elections and their efforts to reintegrate into civilian life and to build a better future for their families and communities. To cite just a few examples of what has been accomplished through the perseverance of former combatants, last week products of FARC-led cooperatives were on display at Colombia's largest agricultural fair in Bogota, including coffee, beef products and handicrafts.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It was well received by the Government, the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC), political parties from across the spectrum, the heads of the transitional justice system, civil society organizations, local authorities and community leaders with whom the Council met in the department of Cauca. As pointed out by the Secretary-General in his report, and as the Council was able to observe on the ground, the assessment of the peace process is mixed. While the efforts of the Government to advance the reintegration of former Fuerza Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) members have begun showing important concrete results, security in conflict-affected areas remains of grave concern.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It is an honour to present to the Council the latest report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (S/2019/530). I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the presence of Mr. Nestor Popolizio Bardales, Minister for Foreign Relations of Peru and President of the Security Council; Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia; and Mr. Emilio Archila, Presidential Counsellor for Stabilization and Consolidation. (spoke in English) During their visit to Colombia last week, Council members were able to appreciate the achievements of the peace process since their last visit two years ago, as well as the remaining challenges. The visit was a timely reaffirmation of the international community's strong support for this process.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ruiz Massieu: I have essentially said what I needed to say. There were no questions directed at me. Again, I appreciate the opportunity to address the Council, and I thank Council members for the comments directed at the Mission's work. We are at the disposal of the Council for any further clarification in the future.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“In the Mission's ongoing work on youth, peace and security, we have been inspired by young Colombian men and women coming together across political, geographic and class divides to embrace reconciliation and support former combatants in their reintegration into society. In those and all their efforts to consolidate peace, Colombians, as always, can count on the unwavering support of the United Nations. The Security Council's firm and unified support to the peace process remains as crucial as ever.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“The path to consolidating peace requires consensus, and consensus can be achieved only through dialogue. I strongly encourage all such efforts in that regard. I am encouraged that at the local level Colombians throughout the country are engaging with one another across ideological lines to embrace the opportunities provided by the peace process. In the territorial areas I have visited, I have seen soldiers and former combatants playing football and living and working together, when only a few years ago they were fighting against each other. A few weeks ago in Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, the Mission participated in the launch of the Municipal Pact for Peace, Life and Reconciliation, which was signed by all political forces in the city, as well as civil society.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“Indeed, no such initiatives should be applied in a retroactive manner to those who laid down their arms in good faith and on the strength of commitments made under the agreement. As the Secretary-General has stated, the principle of non-retroactivity is critical in preserving confidence in the process going forward. In a climate of uncertainty for Victims, those subject to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, FARC members awaiting funding for social and economic reintegration and communities that have suffered from the conflict, the greatest uncertainty would be to reopen core elements of the underlying peace agreement itself. As the peace process continues, it is fundamental to bring Colombians together and to heal divisions, just as President Duque signalled on the day of his inauguration.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“The Special Jurisdiction for Peace, under the leadership of its President, Patricia Linares, continues to advance its work with impressive results. It has now initiated seven large cases that are examining significant violations affecting 820,000 victims. Moreover, close to 9,700 former FARC-EP members and almost 2,000 individuals from the armed forces have subjected themselves to its authority. President Duque has also announced his intention to propose three constitutional reforms to the articles underpinning the transitional justice framework of the peace agreement. In introducing the first of those proposals, the Government assured that they would be applicable in the future.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“Recent weeks have been dominated by divisive debates regarding transitional justice, which is a contentious issue in most peace processes. Last month, President Duque objected to six articles of the draft statutory law of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Following avote against those objections in the Chamber of Representatives earlier this week, consideration of the objections is still pending in the Senate. The Secretary-General has called for prompt action by all concerned to ensure that a statutory law consistent with the peace agreement is adopted as soon as possible. That statutory law is the last missing element of the legal framework for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and is needed to ensure that the institution can operate with the necessary independence and autonomy.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“The leaders with whom I talked in Tumaco were also emphatic that security in the territories demands an integrated and coordinated presence of State authorities - civilian institutions and security forces alike. This is a message that I have heard consistently across the country. In that regard, I welcome the approval of the 16 development plans, with a territorial focus that will benefit 170 municipalities affected by the armed conflict, and I encourage the Government to devote the resources necessary to ensure the implementation of those plans. More than 200,000 community members contributed to the formulation of those plans, which is a positive example of effective dialogue between communities and State institutions.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“All of them have friends, family members or colleagues who have been assassinated, displaced or threatened by criminal elements, including groups involved in illicit economies. They shared with me specific proposals and ideas for ensuring their safety that should be taken into account in devising local protection strategies. In that regard, I welcome the Government's efforts to hold sessions of the National Commission on Security Guarantees in the territories. One such session actually is being held today in Cucuta. I encourage the Government to ensure that those sessions translate into prompt decisions and concrete actions tailored to local dynamics.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“With regard to security guarantees, the killing of community leaders, human rights defenders and former FARC-EP combatants continues and remains a grave concern. The deployment of Colombian military and police near the territorial areas has been and remains critical, but violent competition among illegal armed groups for territorial control in areas outside those security perimeters continues to threaten the security of former combatants and communities, as well as to undercut the overall peace-implementation efforts. During a recent visit to Tumaco on the Pacific coast, I had a sobering discussion with a group of courageous Afro-Colombian social and community leaders, several of whom are under direct threat from armed groups and criminal organizations.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“In its latest press statement on Colombia (SC/13676), the Council encouraged timely decisions concerning the future of the territorial areas, once their current legal status expires, to help provide greater certainty and reinforce the confidence of former FARC-EP members in the peace process. I welcome the recent efforts of the Government to formulate proposals for each of those territorial areas. It is also important to ensure an inclusive discussion on those proposals that involve former combatants, as well as local authorities. Those decisions should be taken and communicated to the former combatants as soon as possible so as to ensure a smooth transition. As always, the Mission stands ready to support the Government and the FARC in the transition process.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“Former combatants are undertaking productive initiatives as diverse as establishing bakeries and restaurants, producing clothing, shoes and agricultural products, and opening tourism projects in areas of the country that were previously inaccessible owing to the conflict. For most of those projects, a key challenge remains access to markets. The Government, together with the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC), regional authorities, the private sector, the United Nations country team and, of course, the Mission continue to facilitate opportunities to connect the markets to products and services offered by former combatants, in partnership with local communities.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“With regard to reintegration, individual and collective projects for 1.774 former members of the Fuerza Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), including 520 women, have now been approved. A recent census completed by the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization identified more than 10,500 former FARC-EP members within the reintegration process. Nearly two years after they laid down their arms, a critical challenge is to maintain their optimism in the face of continued uncertainties about their future. In that respect, I respectfully encourage the Government to accelerate the approval of more projects and the prompt disbursement of funds, as well as the implementation of a gender-sensitive approach and timely decisions on access to land.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source