Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

Thank you Madam President.

I thank the SRSG Massieu and Ms. Sánchez for their briefings.

I also join the other Members in welcoming H.E. Mr. Urrutia to the meeting.  

Madam President,

During the February Council’s visit to Colombia, Members were reassured first-hand of the Colombian government’s commitment to implementing the Final Peace Agreement and to achieving comprehensive and inclusive peace in the county.

We acknowledge the government’s ongoing efforts in this regard and applaud the courage and the persistence people of Colombia demonstrated in seeking to resolve deep-seated issues that persist.

In particular, we commend the progress in implementing the comprehensive rural reform, a fundamental aspect of the Agreement.

At the same time, we encourage further swift and concrete actions to translate the government’s policies and plans for implementing different sections of the Agreement, especially its gender provisions, into tangible results.

Madam President,

One area where such actions are urgently needed is the protection of civilians. We are especially concerned about the reported increase in grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed groups. This must stop.   

We call for an immediate cessation of all violence against civilian population including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

The events in Cauca three weeks ago serve as a stark reminder of the security challenges, highlighting the urgent need for the prompt implementation of the security guarantee measures to safeguard indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, as well as vulnerable groups such as women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, human rights defenders, peacebuilders, and civil society leaders among others. Any recruitment and use of children by armed groups must stop.

In this regard, we are looking forward to the discussion Working group on Children and Armed conflict this Friday.

In parties’ discussion with the international community of the long-term plans, they have to commit on strengthening the protection of civilians. The ceasefire must be complemented by concrete measures that will benefit the communities.

Rural communities continue to suffer disproportionally from both conflicts and development gaps, especially where the state’s presence is not sufficient. Strengthening the integrated presence of state and state services across the national territory is not only crucial for the successful implementation of the Agreement, it is also inextricably linked to the outcomes of ongoing efforts to resolve the continuing armed conflict in Colombia.

In this vein, we commend the Government’s efforts to advance dialogue initiatives within the framework of its total peace policy.

The announcement of the longest-ever ceasefire with ELN marks an important step in the right direction.

Finally, Madam President,

I also wish to briefly touch on the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

In anticipation of the issuance of the first restorative sentences, constructive dialogue among all concerned parties is paramount to overcome the recent obstacles encountered regarding the SJP’s jurisdiction.

We encourage the Government to provide the necessary support to the SJP and invite the SJP to bear in mind its unique responsibility of delivering justice promptly and with the legal certainty.

The SJP must fulfil its historical role as the judicial component within the transitional justice system, including on prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence, notably on Case 11. By doing so, it can exemplify best practices not only for Colombia but also for the wider region and indeed globally. Justice and reparations for victims are integral and among the crucial components of the post-conflict period. Without justice, no peace can truly be sustainable.

Thank you.

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