Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 11th April. UN head António Guterres on Monday has underscored the importance of implementing the Peace Agreement in Colombia, and advancing dialogue, as he delivered the quarterly report on the UN Mission in Colombia published today.
According to the UN, the 2016 peace deal between the authorities and the FARC-EP militia group ended five decades of conflict, and the report is the first to cover verification of its chapters on comprehensive rural reform and ethnic issues, in line with a Security Council resolution adopted in January.
The report covered the period from late December to late March.
Mr. Guterres highlighted progress made during this time, and commitment by the parties.
He noted that even in the midst of immense challenges, there were grounds for optimism.
SG added that “the inescapable reality on the ground in Colombia today is that peacebuilding depends both on the full implementation of the Agreement and on the ability of the authorities to curb the expressions of violence that continue to occur.”
He called for de-escalation of the conflict and perseverance in the search for peace through dialogue.
Guterres commended the delegations of the Government and the ELN rebel group for their constructive exchange during a second round of negotiations in Mexico, held last month.
“I am confident that we will soon see additional results as they address key agenda issues in the next round, including communities’ call for a ceasefire,” he said.
He noted that if carried out properly, the ceasefire would “have the potential to reduce violence and build confidence in nascent dialogue processes, while alleviating obstacles to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.”
The report highlighted actions taken so far on rural reform, as well as commitment to overcome the historical inequalities that are among the causes of Colombia’s conflict.
The report was the reference to the Government’s draft National Development Plan, which includes a large budget allocation for this first chapter of the Agreement, and specifications to allow more equitable and broader access to land by rural populations and those affected by the conflict.
On the ethnic chapter, the report underlined the importance of its cross-cutting provisions to address historical demands of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Attention was focused on the challenges that these communities continue to face, including insecurity in some regions of the country.
The report noted that despite the killings of six former FARC-EP combatants, the past quarter was among the least violent since the laying down of arms in 2017.
It noted other forms of violence against former fighters continue, including threats, attempted killings, enforced disappearances and abductions.
UN Mission observed a reduction in killings and fighting between armed elements in rural areas of four regions – Caquetá, Meta, Putumayo and Norte de Santander – while also expressing concern over high levels of conflict-related violence in Cauca, Arauca, Chocó, Nariño and Valle del Cauca.
The report said that gender inequalities persist referred to challenges faced by women, girls and LGBTI people that continue to hamper their effective participation in peacebuilding efforts.
Mr. Guterres recognized the leading role of Colombian women as peacebuilders and agents of justice and reconciliation.
“I am confident that their meaningful participation will be ensured so that their voices can continue to influence the ongoing discussions around peace and security. The United Nations is inspired by their example and stands by their side,” he said.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, UN Special Representative in Colombia will present the full report to the Security Council by on Thursday.
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