Commending Colombia for Breaking New Ground, Deputy Secretary-General Says Sustainable Peace Hinges on Reconciliation, Addressing Past Crimes

(Delayed in Transmission)

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message at the international conference on “Emerging Contemporary Responses to Atrocities” organized by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace, held on 29 October:

Excellencies, colleagues and friends:

It is my great pleasure to address this international conference organized by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace.  This conference coincides with my own virtual mission to your country.  And while I am sorry to not be there with you in person or virtually, I am happy to have the opportunity to share a message with you as you deliberate on the critical issues of seeking justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of conflict.

The United Nations salutes the Colombian people’s determination to build a lasting peace rooted in sustainable development, after more than five decades of armed conflict.  And to do this by squarely upholding the difficult and morally urgent task of addressing the crimes of the past.

Here, as in so many areas of peacebuilding, Colombia is breaking new ground.  You are a living demonstration of a concept at the heart of transitional justice:  that even long and bitter armed conflicts can end without having to choose short‑term peace at the expense of justice.  Indeed, sustainable peace is not possible without both justice and reconciliation.

You are elevating the role of women in peacemaking and putting victims at the forefront.  Their voices must be heard.  And you are putting into practice an innovative model with elements of restorative justice, truth‑seeking, acknowledgement and accountability.  It is a system that should bring redress to victims and conflict‑affected communities, as well as closure to those who still endure the pain of not knowing what happened to their loved ones.

The fruits of your work are starting to show.  By coming to grips with the past, and by implementing the Peace Agreement, Colombia can break the cycles of violence.  Rest assured in the continued support of the United Nations.

Thank you.