Team from UN Mission in Colombia attacked, vehicles burned – Global issues
In one statementThe mission condemned the attack by its local team in Puerto Nuevo, Guaviare, while they were on a joint mission with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and an NGO.
The three-vehicle joint mission was heading to rural Guayabero to meet with communities in the area, when they were approached by armed men and forced to get out of their vehicles.
Two of the three vehicles burned down minutes later at the scene.
The UN mission reiterated its concern about continued acts of violence in so-called priority areas for the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement with FARC rebels, and condemned any attempt to threaten threaten UN and humanitarian personnel of armed groups.
The mission said the UN would continue to support Colombians in their efforts to strengthen peace in the country.
Security Council
On Thursday, Security Council reiterates its full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia.
In one statementCouncil Members highlighted the fifth anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement, held last November.
They echoed the Secretary-General’s observations, when visit country in celebration, that “Historical progress “has taken root”“But the ‘huge challenges’ are still there.
Members also welcomed the way in which the celebration “led to renewed focus by all on the need to strengthen this progress and address these challenges”.
As Colombia prepares for parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council emphasizes the importance of taking the necessary steps to ensure safe, peaceful and inclusive participation, including participation full, equal and meaningful women.
They also reiterated their concerns regarding persistent threats, attacks and murders targeting former FARC-EP members, as well as community and social leaders, including both women and people from indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.