Colombia: UN mission chief stresses need to advance implementation of peace deal

This article is published in association with United Nations.

Colombia must harmonize peace policies and security policies, the UN Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

Carlos Ruiz Massieu said an upsurge in violence in some regions has highlighted challenges to achieving peace.

“In places like Catatumbo, Cauca or Chocó, continued violence, insecurity, poverty and illicit economies underscore how important it is to continue advancing in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the transformations it provides for,” he said.

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Mr. Massieu briefed ambassadors on the latest developments in Colombia, where the 2016 peace deal between the Government and the FARC-EP armed group ended more than five decades of conflict.

The re-integration of former FARC combatants remains a priority, he said. More than 12,000 have laid down their arms and the majority are actively involved in the reintegration process.

Insecurity is a specific concern, however, as 23 ex-combatants have been killed this year. 

Violence impacts communities

Mr. Massieu said that following the laying down of arms, areas under FARC influence “enjoyed a period of hope” and residents were able to experience some of the dividends of peace such as improved security and investments such as tourism.

“Unfortunately, in some of these areas, the situation has progressively deteriorated with the arrival of armed actors, new or existing, taking advantage of the limited presence of the state and seeking control of illicit economies,” he said.

As a result, communities are facing impacts such as displacement, confinement, murders of social leaders and former combatants, as well as an increase in child recruitment. 

“To address these situations, Colombia often falls into the false dichotomy between peace policies or security policies,” he said.  

“In current circumstances, it is clear that bringing well-being to these territories requires complementarity between the two.”

Challenges and accomplishments

Mr. Massieu also heads the UN mission that verifies the peace deal.  He said that while many of the provisions “have a significant transformative potential,” some are longer-term and have yet to be fully implemented, such as comprehensive rural reform.

Furthermore, as “illicit economies are intertwined with conflict in Colombia,” solving this problem is necessary for consolidating peace. 

The peace agreement also created an innovative transitional justice system, prioritizing truth, restorative justice and reconciliation, he added.

He drew attention to one of the main pillars – the Special Jurisdiction for Peace – which “has made historic advances in its indictments of perpetrators of the most serious crimes during the conflict.” Expectations are now mounting for the issuance of the first sentences. 

“I welcome the measures announced earlier this year by the Jurisdiction to optimize investigations and expedite the issuance of restorative sentences,” he said.

“I trust that the Government will step up its preparations to ensure that the conditions under which the sentences will be carried out are firmly in place.” 

Dialogue, cooperation and international support

In concluding his remarks, Mr. Massieu recalled Colombia’s long history of working to resolve armed conflicts through dialogue, with the 2016 peace agreement being the most recent success.

“Looking ahead, it will be essential to prioritize dialogue processes with actors who demonstrate a genuine will for peace and who can achieve tangible results to benefit communities,” he said.

He expressed hope that the Government will continue to work with the other signatory party to accelerate implementation of the peace deal, and that the Security Council will continue to support the country.