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

Thank you, Mr. President.

Before I begin my statement, let me commend the Korean delegation for leading the Council in September. I also wish you, President, all the best at the head of the Council in October.

I thank SRSG-designate Jenča for his briefing and extend our best wishes for success in his new role.

We trust that, under your leadership, Mr. Jenča, and with the support of the Council, the Verification Mission will continue its vital role in helping to ensure that the aspirations for peace in Colombia are translated into tangible results.

I also welcome Ambassador Zalabata to today’s meeting.

Mr. President,

Let me begin by emphasizing the importance of the continued political commitment of the signatory parties to the full implementation of the Final Peace Agreement.

We welcome the progress achieved in implementing the ethnic and comprehensive rural reform chapters. The reform chapter is particularly critical for fostering development and expanding State presence in areas where former combatants, rural women, and ethnic communities, among others, continue to suffer from persistent violence.

Going forward, particular attention must be afforded to security guarantees, including those aimed at dismantling illegal armed groups and criminal organizations, which continue to undermine the development and stability of conflict-affected areas and communities.

We encourage the Government to use the remainder of its term to take decisive steps toward the full implementation of the Agreement, which also represents an investment in ensuring the safe conduct of the upcoming elections.

In this regard, Slovenia reiterates its call for the full, equal, meaningful and safe political participation of women, as well as their inclusion in all decision-making processes.

Mr. President,

We further welcome the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, marking not only a pivotal moment in the implementation of the Agreement but also a historic step in Colombia’s exemplary transitional justice process.

We join the Secretary-General in calling for the sentences – imposed on both former commanders of the FARC-EP and former members of the public security forces – to now be implemented and translated into reparations for the benefit of the victims.

To that end, it is essential that the sentenced individuals fully comply with their sentences and that the Government ensures all necessary prerequisites are in place.

As in other areas and in accordance with its mandate, we recognize that the Verification Mission is best placed to provide independent and rigorous verification in this regard. We are looking forward to the renewal of its mandate.

On that note, Mr. President, allow me to conclude by assuring the people of Colombia of Slovenia’s unwavering support for their path toward lasting peace.

Thank you.

Recent Statements