Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the Committee UN Verification Mission in Colombiasaid armed groups in some parts of the country are targeting the very communities most victims of the half-century-long civil war, which officially ended with the signing of a The Last Peace Agreement in 2016.
“Violence is also taking a particularly heavy toll on Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities in the form of the increasing homicide, displacement and recruitment of minors.” he speak.
landmark election
Mr. Massieu briefed the Council on the results of the recently concluded election, noting that the Presidential elections will take place in May.
“Second time since signing [2016 Peace Agreement]elections are virtually free of violence,” He said, adding that the now defunct members of the FARC-EP militia group – verified by the UN – greatly reduced the likelihood of a clash.
The election gives Colombians the opportunity to elect representatives of the 16 new constituencies created under the Peace Agreement for the first time in conflict-affected areas.
Outside, The recent vote has seen a significant increase in the number of female candidates and women elected to Parliament.
“The current election cycle helps illustrate some of the benefits of peace,” said the Special Representative.
Veteran
A major component of the Colombian peace process remains society the reintegration of former FARC-EP membersas well as veterans from other armed groups who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for protection of the State.
Today, more than 13,000 recognized veterans – including nearly two-thirds of all former FARC-EP members – are reintegrated and continue to participate in the peace process.
However, the prolonged violence raised by the Special Representative continues to jeopardize the veterans’ plans to build a new life.
In that context, Mr. Massieu emphasized the responsibility of the Colombian Government in Full implementation of security guarantees set out in the 2016 Agreement.
Those provisions will have the added benefit of promoting political participation and transitional justice, he added, and are tied to rural reform efforts and the success of tree replacement programs. voluntary planting.
Truth and Justice
The Special Representative also updated the Panel on the historic first hearings of the “acceptance” sessions, which will be held by the Government’s Special Peace Tribunal, in the coming weeks. next.
During those hearings, former FARC-EP commanders, members of the public security force and civilian third parties, will have a platform to demonstrate their commitment to the truth and rights of the victims.
The process is an important part of Colombia’s restoration of justice initiative, led by the Special Judiciary for Peace.
Meanwhile, in another important development, Colombia’s Truth Commission – established under the Peace Agreement to collect and analyze the testimonies of thousands of victims of violence in the civil strife. 50 years – ready to publish the final report in June.
Urging Colombia to “use wisely” the report, Massieu said the UN stands ready to assist the Commission in its important work of disseminating it.
Passing batons
Colombia’s description of peace is priceless – as well as a poignant example of a successful peace process “in a world of geopolitical division, endless wars and increasing conflicts” – The Special Representative urges the Council to continue supporting the Government in its defense.
While the baton will soon pass to a new administration, he expressed hope that future Colombian leaders will continue to assume responsibility for the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Mr. Massieu said political parties, civil society and other stakeholders must also commit to advancing the pending elements of the accord and confronting challenges unequivocally.
“Colombia reminds the world that even an armed conflict lasting more than five decades, with millions of painful victims, can be resolved through dialogue, laying the groundwork for reconciliation and non-repetition. again”.
