Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, speak female Security Council that the Government’s recent initiatives reflect a “critical refocusing” of the peace process.
These include a rapid response plan for development projects, public investments and services.
“I welcome the initial signs that the plan will have a strong focus on rural reform to transform conflict-affected areas, as well as enhancing security,” Mr. Ruiz Massieu said. .
He noted that the peace architecture – established under the Final Agreement on Ending Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace – in particular the monitoring and verification commission, will play a role. important role in accelerating implementation.
Address structural causes
Mr. Ruiz Massieu, who is also the head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, welcomed the Government’s commitment to promoting rural reform, including “transformation potential” to address the structural causes of the conflict.
“For example, day by day, more and more land is being distributed and formalized to those in need, bringing promised peace benefits. for landless farmers and those dispossessed of their land during the conflict,” he said.
However, despite this and other positive steps, results to date remain modest compared to the overall objectives of the Peace Agreement, as the Government itself has recognized.
“I am also concerned about reports that farmer organizations working to promote rural reform have been targeted receiving threats from illegal armed groups,” he warned.
Mr. Ruiz Massieu also called for action on the ethnic chapter of the peace agreement, which is designed to deliver peace benefits to Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, while addressing disproportionate impact that they suffered during the conflict.
Transitional justice
He informed Council members that on transitional justice, the Special Judiciary for Peace continues its important work in helping societies transition from war to peace.
“The country remains hopeful about the upcoming stages of the process, especially the issuance of the first sentences for those responsible for serious crimes,” he said, noting that success of this mechanism will lie in “achieving a delicate balance” between many factors.
These include the rights of victims, the legal security of those under its jurisdiction, and speed and rigor in the administration of justice.
The Government also bears the main responsibility for ensuring that all conditions are in place for the actual implementation of judgments once they are issued, he added.
Obstacles remain
Mr. Ruiz Massieu also emphasized that the complex security situation in some regions of Colombia continues to hinder peacebuilding.
In some areas, signatories to the Agreement and social leaders remain targets of violence, pressure and threats from armed groups vying for control of territory and battle lines. strategies linked to illegal economies.
He added that some communities remained caught in the crossfire and suffered “deplorable phenomena” such as the recruitment of minors, displacement and detention.
New challenges, such as the imposition of “social control,” especially on women and girls, have also emerged, Mr. Ruiz Massieu said, relaying “painful testimonies”. pain” from women about being told how to dress or how to paint their nails.
“The complexity and fluidity of conflict dynamics in different regions and the insecurity it creates for affected populations requires a comprehensive and complementary approach”, he emphasized.
