Delivered By: Mrs. Ameirah AlHefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I would first like to thank the Special Representative Mr. Carlos Massieu, for his valuable briefing and the Mission’s support towards peace in Colombia. We also thank the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission for his briefing, and we listened carefully to Mr. Echeverri.

We welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Levya and commend the Government’s continued efforts towards the implementation of the Final Agreement, including on rural reforms and the ethnic chapter. This also includes devising innovative and holistic approaches to ensure that the perspectives of various stakeholders in Colombia are included. We also welcome continued progress in the preparation of the National Development Plan, and in particular, its focus on climate action and tackling inequalities.

However, we remain concerned with the persisting violence and threats against civilians, including former combatants, as well as political and community leaders. The implementation of security guarantees in the Final Agreement remains one of the key tools to improve their security situation and offer the necessary protection.

Yet, at the heart of long-lasting peace and security in Colombia is both the comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement and continued measures to reduce violence across communities in Colombia. These are mutually reinforcing. In this context, progress in dialogue and various peace processes is encouraging, but we reiterate that it is essential to cease any hostilities for these efforts to be successful.

We therefore look forward to the next round of peace talks in Cuba, as they have the potential to contribute to further consolidation of peace in Colombia. The Secretary-General’s recommendations on any potential future role for the UN Verification Mission will also be helpful in supporting such efforts.  

Mr. President,

We stress the critical need to continue the prioritisation and amplification of community-based and locally led initiatives for reintegration, as they can solidify deep-rooted reconciliation across communities in Colombia and guarantee that the perspectives of those directly impacted by violence are at the centre. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women and inclusion of youth in such initiatives is fundamental for peacebuilding, conflict resolution and reintegration processes. As such, the increased participation of female former combatants by almost 15% in a year, according to the Secretary-General’s report, is a step in the right direction.

 It is clear that the progress made across the different components of the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Non-Repetition continues to lay the groundwork for holistic reconciliation and effective accountability in Colombia, including on the cases considered under the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

In conclusion, the UAE reaffirms its full support for the Government and people of Colombia in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace, as well as for the UN verification mission and its valuable role to make that a reality.

Thank you, Mr. President.