Explanation of Vote by Klemen Ponikvar, Political Coordinator of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the UNSC meeting on the Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

Thank you, Mr. President.

We thank the United Kingdom, as penholder, for its efforts in steering the negotiations leading to the adoption of the resolution.

Slovenia voted in favor of the resolution to enable the Mission to continue verifying the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement.

At this important juncture in the full implementation of the Agreement, the Mission remains vital in supporting the translation of the aspirations of the peace process into tangible results.

The Mission also remains best placed to maintain close contact with vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions, including women, children, and members of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.

These groups bear the brunt of the insecurity caused by protracted armed conflict.

Mr. President,

During the recent briefing on Colombia, Council members joined the Secretary-General in welcoming the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace – a pivotal moment in the peacebuilding process.

We regret that, despite overwhelming support, the verification of compliance with and implementation of the sentences was not included in the Mission’s mandate.

We remind the Council that the Agreement itself envisaged such verification and thus reflects the will of the parties. We are equally disappointed that the mandate omits the ethnic chapter.

With this, allow me to conclude.

I want to assure the parties, and, most importantly, the people of Colombia, of our unwavering support on their path towards lasting peace.

I thank you.

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