Consolidating peace in Colombia requires stopping expressions of violence

In the latest report on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, which covers the period from 27 December 2022 to 26 March 2023, the Secretary-General welcomes the progress in the peace process and commends "the additional efforts underway to broaden the scope of peace through dialogue".

However, he assures that "the inescapable reality on the ground (...) is that the consolidation of peace depends both on the full implementation of the (Peace) Agreement and on the capacity of the authorities to curb the expressions of violence that continue to occur," says António Guterres in the report.

In this regard, Guterres urges urgently to de-escalate the conflict and to persevere in the search for peace through dialogue. He also salutes the government and ELN delegations for their constructive exchange during the second round of negotiations in Mexico.

"I am confident that we will soon see further results as they address key issues on the agenda in the next round, including the communities' call for a ceasefire," he said.

The Secretary General assures that, if properly implemented, the ceasefire "has the potential to reduce violence and build confidence in the nascent dialogue processes, while alleviating obstacles" to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Actions to implement the accord and the government's dialogue initiatives with various armed groups as part of its overall peace policy "are mutually reinforcing", it adds.

This report is the first to include verification of the implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Reform and the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreement, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2673 (2023), adopted in January of this year.

In this regard, the Secretary-General highlighted the actions taken so far and the commitment to overcome historical inequalities, which are among the causes of the conflict in the country.

Guterres referred to the government's draft National Development Plan, which includes a large budget allocation for the first point of the Agreement, and specifications to allow more equitable and broad access to land for rural populations and people affected by the conflict.

The report underlines the importance of the provisions of the Ethnic Chapter in addressing historical demands of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, which have been less well implemented compared to other points of the Agreement.

The document highlights the role assigned to the office of the vice-president of the Republic in promoting its implementation and also records the government's actions on land restitution for these communities.

It also refers to the obstacles that indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities continue to face, including insecurity in different departments of the country. 

Despite the killings of six FARC-EP ex-combatants during the reporting period, this last quarter was one of the least violent since the laying down of arms in 2017. However, other forms of violence against them continue, such as threats, attempted killings, enforced disappearances and kidnappings.

The Mission has observed a reduction in killings amid fighting in rural areas of Caquetá, Meta, Putumayo and Norte de Santander. However, high levels of conflict-related violence are of concern in Cauca, Arauca, Chocó, Nariño and Valle del Cauca.

In terms of verification of reincorporation, the report highlights that 10,577 of the more than 13,000 accredited ex-combatants continue their reincorporation process in more than 600 municipalities across the country.

With regard to the progress of transitional justice, the secretary general indicates that the trial stage has begun, which will lead to the issuing of sanctions against those who have acknowledged responsibility and contributed to the truth in relation to crimes committed in the department of Norte de Santander.

The report also notes that gender inequalities persist and has referred to the specific risks faced by women, girls and LGBTI people, which continue to hinder their effective participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Guterres acknowledged the leading role of Colombian women as peacebuilders and agents of justice and reconciliation. "I am confident that their meaningful participation will be ensured so that their voices can continue to influence the ongoing discussions around peace and security. The United Nations is inspired by their example and stands by their side," he said.