Security Council Press Statement on Colombia
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Sebastiano Cardi (Italy):
A year since the signing and entry into force of the Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Long Lasting Peace between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC‑EP), circulated as a document of the Security Council (document S/2017/272), the members of the Security Council congratulated the parties for the remarkable achievements of the peace process.
The members of the Security Council applauded the leadership and commitment of the parties to implementing the agreement over the past 12 months which has brought to an end over 50 years of conflict. The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful completion of the laying down of arms of the FARC‑EP to United Nations’ monitors in August this year, which represents a major milestone in the transition between war and peace. Colombia’s peace process has sparked high hopes and expectations around the world and continues to provide inspiration for those seeking to end conflicts elsewhere.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the parties as they now seek to turn the end of the conflict into a stable and lasting peace by working to fully implement the peace agreement beyond the laying down of arms.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the report of the Under‑Secretary‑General’s visit to Colombia in November and noted his statement in Bogotá on 15 November 2017. In particular, they noted the importance of advancing the reincorporation of former FARC‑EP combatants into civilian life with a comprehensive strategy and concrete action plans and resources to enable success. They also noted the importance of addressing the security situation in the former conflict zones, following some attacks, including on community leaders, human rights defenders and former FARC combatants, by increasing State presence and governance to secure a lasting peace.
In this regard, the members of the Security Council urged the parties, with the support of the relevant civilian State institutions and security forces, to redouble efforts to accelerate progress in implementation over the coming weeks and months, in accordance with the provisions set out in the peace agreement, including with respect to enacting the necessary legislation. They further underlined the importance of upholding the political participation of the FARC‑EP now that they have laid down their arms, in accordance with the peace agreement.
The members of the Security Council noted the importance of the international community remaining closely engaged to continue to support and encourage Colombia’s work to implement the peace agreement.
The members of the Security Council recalled resolutions 2366 (2017) and 2377 (2017) which established and mandated the United Nations Verification Mission to verify implementation by the parties of the process of political, economic and social reincorporation of the FARC‑EP and the implementation of personal and collective security guarantees. They appreciated the efforts of the Verification Mission to provide support and to encourage progress. They looked forward to receiving the Secretary‑General’s first 90‑day report on the activities of the Verification Mission on 26 December.