Colombia - Security Council, 10141st meeting

The 10,141st meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is identical letters dated 19 January 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United nations, addressed to the Secretary General and the President of the Security Council. S2016. 53. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 39 of the council's Provisional Rules of Procedure. I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting. Mr. Miroslav Bianca, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and Ms. Olga Loscia Ontario Sierra, General Coordinator of Contambo Patient Association. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of of item two of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of the Council members to document S2026 229, the report of the Secretary General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I now give the floor to Mr. Miroslav Tianka.

Mr. President, it is a pleasure to brief the Security Council once again on the peace process in Colombia. This is an important moment in the political life of the country following the recent holding of congressional elections and with presidential elections now only a month away,

it is an honor to participate alongside with Her Excellency Rosa Villavicencio, Minister of Foreign affairs of Colombia. I would like to thank the Government of Colombia for its continuous collaboration with the verification Mission and for the efforts which were recognized in the latest report of the Secretary General in order to advance in peace building in the country. Moreover, it is also a pleasure to greet Olga Quintero, a renowned peasant leader and peace advocate in Catatumbo, a region that is emblematic of this complex conflict in Colombia and which is so key to consolidating peace. She also illustrates the important role that women continue carrying out in peace building in Colombia. I also welcome that the Security Council is today renewing the good practice of including civil society voices in its meetings about Colombia.

British Delegates the holding of largely peaceful and more inclusive elections has been a feature of Colombia's positive evolution under the peace agreement. It is essential for the country to stay on this trajectory. Allow me to reiterate in this regard the Secretary General's congratulations on the peaceful participation of the Colombian people in the legislative elections held in March. Despite concerns during the campaign period over incidents of violence and the presence of illegal armed groups in conflict affected regions, adequate measures were taken and election day was not adversely affected by security incidents, a demonstration of Colombia's strong institutions. I commend the role played by security forces in protecting the votes, the vigilance exercised by national and international observers and the valuable role also played by the Office of the Ombudsperson in monitoring conditions and in promoting adherence to the commitment to a free and peaceful electoral process. With the presidential campaign now in full swing ahead of elections on 31 May, the mission is adding its voice to the call for authorities and all concerned to ensure a safe and peaceful environment free of violence and stigmatization. I reiterate my condemnation of reported threats against presidential candidates, and I call again for state authorities to guarantee the safety of all participants in the electoral process. The verification mission also stands ready to contribute once again, as it did during the congressional elections, to the exercises carried out by national authorities, some of them using mechanisms of the peace agreement to analyze security risks and coordinate preventive actions. Ensuring the security of the candidates and voters should continue to be the utmost priority. Mr. President, members of the Council the latest report of the Secretary General traces implementation across the three pillars of the mandate as established by the Security council in resolution 2798 of last October Reintegration of former combatants, security guarantees, and comprehensive rural reform. They are three elements at the core of the final peace agreement whose implementation contributes to peace and security in the country. We have fully restructured the mission to reflect the refocused mandate and streamlined further in line with UN80 reductions. This has resulted in a substantially leaner configuration while still enabling the mission to maintain a suitable regional field presence, which is essential for effective verification as well as engagement with local communities, authorities and peace signatories. Receiving now the resources approved in the budget is essential to delivering on the mandate. Across Colombia, the realities on the ground vary from region to region, and ongoing conflict dynamics are highly complex. Although security has deteriorated in some parts of the country, previously neglected areas have also been afforded with new opportunities made possible by the peace accord. In visits to mission offices across this diverse landscape, what I see is close collaboration with Colombian stakeholders and counterparts who strongly value its unique presence in the field. Mr. President, the efforts to expand access to land as part of the comprehensive rural reform are bringing hope via the arrival of long awaited dividends of peace to marginalized regions and communities who suffered grievously during the armed conflict. Behind the statistics we report on hectares delivered toward the numerical goals establishing the peace agreement are the people who are the beneficiaries on the ground, such as the members of a peasant community I visited in February in the Cesar department in northern Colombia. This was a region engulfed in violence during the conflict, marked by massacres and widespread displacement of people from their land. Many members of this community I visited were direct victims and so it was inspiring to see them recently receive a sizable plot of land as part of the rural reform. Despite some practical challenges and security related concerns, the community is setting down routes on this land. Having established a school, began building their own houses, and having launched fish farming, corn and yucca growing projects, women are prominent leaders of this community. While appreciative of the land, they still need further attention from the state to turn this opportunity into a sustainable Future. This is one of 30 select cases of land adjudication in conflict affected regions that the mission is prioritizing in its verification. Overall progress has been made in recent years in providing access to land to numerous beneficiaries. However, continued efforts will be required to fulfill the objectives laid out in the rural reform. It is not only a matter of distributing land, but also ensuring its productivity, guaranteeing the safety of the beneficiaries and clarifying the legal ownership status of the plots. I wish to recognize the important step taken in this direction with the enactment in March of a statutory law on the functioning of the agrarian jurisdiction. I am hopeful that this important entity, which is to address land related disputes, will soon become fully operational through additional legislation that is pending adoption in Congress. The rural reform also encompasses investments in in local and regional development projects in conflict affected areas, known as the PDET regions, plans that were recently extended through 2037 by Congress, as well as the implementation of sectorial plans to greatly expand state services over time such as rural roads, education, health, irrigation and electricity. All told, as noted by the Secretary General in his report, the rural reform is fundamental for consolidating lasting peace and security in Colombia. It aims to extend state presence and address inequalities that have fueled conflict in the country for decades. By unlocking viable economic opportunities, it can also provide sustainable alternatives to illicit economies, thereby helping to break the cycle of violence. Mr. President, the laying down of arms by Latin America's oldest and largest guerrilla group was not only a feat in and of itself, but so is the fact that nearly 10 years later, more than 11,000 men and women from the former FARC EP remain actively engaged in their reintegration into society. This process has been replete with challenges, however, given the fragile socioeconomic infrastructure and security conditions in rural areas where many former combatants have settled. As reported by the Secretary General, the provision of land and housing is progressing, though more still needs to be done to complete those tasks, to strengthen security guarantees and to ensure the sustainability of reintegration the product of that hard work carried out by former combatants can be drastically affected when security conditions deteriorate. I hope that the state entities, in acknowledgment of the perseverance of former combatants will increase all efforts to ensure the conditions that would allow them to look to the future with confidence. The potential reintegration of the former guerrilla is also an essential part of the peace process, allowing for their peaceful participation in the democratic political life of the country. Following the results of the recent congressional elections, I would like to commend the Communist Party for the constructive role itself. Representatives played as legislators during a transitional period in which it held guaranteed seats in the Congress under the peace agreement. Although that provision has now expired, the former combatants, as one of the two signatory parties of the peace accord, maintain all associated responsibilities and functions. I strongly welcome the clear commitments expressed by its leaders to continue abiding by the peace agreement, working for its full implementation, and I look forward to their active role going forward. Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council, Colombia remains today more peaceful than during peak years of the conflict. However, as we have reported extensively, a number of rural areas are still strongly impacted by the presence of illegal armed groups. Their ongoing clashes over territorial control and illicit economies are bringing violence and hardship to entire communities. We condemn, among others, their increased recruitment and use of children. The Catatumbo region is a case in point of what is happening in such areas, its population caught in the middle of disputes by armed groups in one of the regions with the highest concentration of coca in the country. During a visit there in January, in the aftermath of renewed clashes in the area, I visited a hamlet where homes had been heavily damaged in drone attacks between rival groups. Explosive hazards had been found near schools. Residents were fearful of landmines and raised concerns about the slow arrival of humanitarian assistance. As long as violence, territorial disputes or governance vacuums persist in any part of the country, they risk undermining national stability and eroding the gains made elsewhere. Through its presence and verification activities in conflict affected regions such as Catatumbo, the Mission is contributing to the detection of risks to communities and to the calls for timely and well articulated responses by authorities to the these risks. The mission is also helping to give visibility to humanitarian and other needs that should be addressed under the peace agreement. The mission is a regular participant in security guarantees, mechanisms of and related to the peace agreement that are important for addressing security needs of vulnerable groups, in particular, including former combatants, women and those involved in the exercise of politics. Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council, when the Council meets next on Colombia in July. Elections will have concluded and the new government will be preparing to begin its term in August. Whoever assumes the presidency will face a formidable challenge in consolidating peace and security in the regions still affected by conflict. As the Secretary General reminds us in his latest report, the peace agreement provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing both the root causes and consequences of the conflict, for bringing inclusive development to long neglected region where violence still is present, impacting its ethnic communities disproportionately, and for ensuring there is justice and redress for the victims. Significant progress has occurred over the years since the agreement was signed. Yet much remains to be done and much can be achieved through focused efforts in the coming years. The territories where the agreement has not been sufficiently implemented are precisely where the most acute problems persist today. Stabilizing the regions still affected by conflict requires comprehensive implementation. And as the Secretary General has also stated in his report, peace strategies and effective security actions can and should be carried out in complement with one another in order to produce the desired results. The Security Council has been an essential partner to Colombia in the search for lasting peace and security. The verification mission stands ready to continue to assist the the Colombians along this path. Despite the difficulties, it remains a path that is well worth following. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank Mr. Yancha for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Olga Lucia Cantero Sierra.

Mr. President, distinguished members of the Security Council, I would like to respectfully greet you and I would like to thank the Security Council for the opportunity to address you in this important session. I would also like to warmly greet the special representative of The Secretary General, Mr. Miroslav Gencha, and through him, the verification mission in Colombia. I would also like to greet Her Excellency Rosa Villavicencio, Minister of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Colombia, and all other participants. The final peace agreement, which was signed in 2016, is the most important roadmap that Colombia has to overcome decades of violence. For those of us that live in rural areas in Colombia, this agreement is a real opportunity for transformation. The comprehensive implementation of all of its components is not optional. It is urgent and necessary. Each point of the agreement is connected to other points. The comprehensive rule reform, political participation, solving the problem with illegal drugs, security guarantees and the system for truth, justice, reparation and non repetition. Advancing in a partial or fragmented manner weakens its essence. Only its full implementation will allow us to address the structural causes of the conflict and avoids a repetition of violence in our territories. Each violation, each delay, each attempt to Sideline Whatever was agreed is a blow to the hopes of millions of Colombian men and women and the entire world that is watching this agreement as a reference to overcoming the violence that today we see mushrooming throughout the planet. Nevertheless, in our territories, we continue to resist and persist because we will not give up on peace. In Catatumbo, in the northeast of Colombia, we have recently experienced a new escalation in the violence, which has created a deep humanitarian crisis. We've carried out several verification commissions in the territory to support and listen to communities that are resisting in the midst of fear. Despite this adverse context, the territory is also giving signs of hope. With political will, we have achieved important steps such as Pacto Catatumbo, the Catatumbo Pact and a projection of social investment to close historic gaps. Building the University of Catatumbo, allotting land to peasant women, providing land deeds for indigenous communities communities and resettling signatories of the peace agreement in the region in order to protect their lives. And specifically, I would like to highlight that in the framework of the Special Program for Land adjudication for rural women, 54 women from Catatumbo have benefited from the allocation of 724 hectares of land. This achievement isn't just about access to land. It is the possibility of rebuilding our lives and moving towards consolidating initiatives as a vill of peasant women that advocate for peace. From a structural perspective, it is indispensable to advance in the democratization of access to land as a central axis for peace. And in this sense, we would like to call for progress in the adjudication, formalization and restitution of land to landless peasants, victims, ethnic peoples and rural women, beyond the strengthening of peasant economies throughout through territorial rights such as the peasant reserve areas. Nevertheless, this progress must be upheld by supporting peace in our territories. Peace in our territories is not an abstract concept. It is the real presence of the state in our territories. It is access to rights, and it is the possibility of living without fear. It is about trust building between communities and institutions. And Colombia can be a model for peace building with the active and significant participation of our communities, and specifically us, the victims and women. This is why today we would like to insist upon the need to persist in territorial peace. Peace in the TERRITORIES as a pathway to give the country back its calm. Colombia cannot continue to be a theater where hate, stigma and political differences continue to feed the violence. The country deserves to move towards a coexistence that is based upon respect, diversity, dialogue and reconciliation. And this is why Today we would like to firmly and respectfully call for the following. We call for the UN verification mission to continue verifying the peace agreement in a comprehensive manner. The new Congress in Colombia should regulate the agrarian and rural jurisdiction as a key instrument to address conflict around land and ensure justice in rural areas in the country. The incoming Government of Colombia should assume the commitment to comprehensively implement the final peace agreement as a national priority and in keeping with the international commitment that this Council oversees. Finally, we would like to express our recognition to the Security Council and the fundamental role carried out by the United nations to prevent and transform conflicts. This goes beyond borders. Your work has been key to promote peaceful and sustainable solutions in complex contexts. Colombia's case is clear proof that even in scenarios characterized by profound differences, dialogue is the most effective way to build peace. The tensions that today are experienced in different regions of the world remind us how fragile coexistence can be. But they also appeal to our sense of responsibility to avoid an escalation. Peace is not the final destination. It is the path that we walk upon every day. I thank you.

I thank Ms. Sierra for her briefing. I now give the floor to the members of the Council. I give the floor to Her Excellency, Ms. Rosa Yolanda via Ficino Mapi, Minister for Foreign affairs of Colombia.

Gracias.

Thank you. Good morning. Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United nations and President of the Security Council, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Chief of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, Your Excellency's Permanent representatives to the Security Council, Madam Olga Lucia Quintero Sierra, co Founder and Member of the Political Commission of the Peasant association of Catatumbo. Esteemed participants, I am addressing you today at a decisive moment for Colombia. We are approaching the end of the current presidential mandate and it has been 10 years since the historic signature of the peace agreement of 2016. This moment invites us not just to think about implementation, but it is also a moment to reflect upon the sustainability of the process as a state policy and its irreversible character. I would like to express the gratitude of the Colombian government to this council, to Mr. Mirzlav Jensha and his team in the United Nations Verification Mission, as well as the international community for their constant support. I would also like to thank the Special Representative for his presentation of the most recent quarterly report from the Verification Mission. I would like to begin by highlighting the fundamental role that the Verification Mission has carried out. Its work has provided independent follow up and technical and territorial support, which has been indispensable in places where we define in practice the sustainability of peace. The Government of Colombia recognizes the difficulties caused by the liquidity crisis in the United nations system. However, we would also like to express that this should not happen at the expense of your support. That translates into the hope for peace in Colombia. We would like to urge the Secretariat to avoid implementing more cuts to the verification mission. Having said this, the most recent report on the verification mission shows important progress that is worth highlighting. But it also makes clear that there are still persistent challenges that we cannot lose sight of. We see remaining concerns when it comes to security in several regions, as well as a rhythm that has been uneven in terms of territorial transformation. And to this we should add a challenge that is key for the future of the process. Strengthening the institutional architecture of the agreement so that its sustainability does not depend on specific time bound efforts or in any one particular government, but rather solid and permanent capacities of the state. Nevertheless, it is necessary to recognize with clarity that Colombia has not stopped implementing the agreement. On the contrary, our commitment has been said sustained in order to comply with our state responsibilities. Today we have spaces for articulation that have allowed us to continue implementing the agreement, such as the National System for Agrarian Reform, the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics and the Commission for Follow Up Promotion and Verification, as well as territorial mechanisms of governance for peace. When it comes to security, an important step has been the activation of 11 tripartite protection and security mechanisms that bring together members of government, signatories of the agreement communities and the verification mission. This is a special specific step forward towards rescuing the original spirit of the agreement, which is to jointly establish guarantees. These mechanisms are strengthening our response capacity in the face of security threats to the signatories that live in the territories most affected by the violence. And they have helped us consolidate the Comprehensive Security System for the exercise of politics. Ccep, as it is known in Spanish. In a complementary fashion, we have been able to strengthen our articulation with the General Prosecutor of the Nation in order to address critical issues such as the recruitment of boys and girls and illegal economies. We know that as long as these economies exist, peace will continue to be fragile. That is why our focus on dismantling criminal organizations is today a state priority. We are moving towards implementation schemes that are more operative in nature. This includes a hybrid model for international verification when it comes to sanctions of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and strengthening the ethnic chapter. We have also strengthened the Special Mechanism for women, thus ensuring the sustainability of our gender based focus in implementation. In terms of the comprehensive rural reform, progress is Also relevant in 2026, around 6,887 hectares have been managed to through the Land fund. And since 2022, we have redistributed over 305,000 hectares to peasants and ethnic communities. Moreover, we have formalized over 2 million hectares. So now we are close to the 30% goal established in the agreement. These advances reflect specific transformations happening in the territories. In regions such as the Catatumbo, around 70% of the land adjudicated has benefited women, which shows that there is an important impact in terms of equity. Mr. President, Excellencies, the period covered by this report also encompasses a relevant democratic milestone. Congressional elections, which in general terms were held peacefully and with a participation that was registered at around 50% higher than the participation registered in 2022. These results reflect without a doubt concrete advances when it comes to broadening democratic participation and political inclusion, which are difficult to envisage without the agreement from 2016. We also value that after the electoral resorts, the Communist political party reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the 2016 agreement, which constitutes a positive signal for consolidating the peace process. Peace cannot be evaluated solely based on piecemeal indicators. It should be measured in real transformations which are sustained and verifiable in the territories. We are aware of this and we recognize this with a self aware and responsible perspective. We know that there are still relevant challenges when it comes to to the safety of the signatories of the agreement, social leaders and communities, as well as the persistence of illegal economies in different territories. On top of this, we also have the challenge of ensuring the sustainability of our processes for reintegration and employment projects in time, so that they do not depend solely on the original impetus of of these projects, but rather stable conditions that allow for their consolidation. In this context, the role of the international community continues to be indispensable. Colombia would have not made it this far without that support, and we will not be able to consolidate peace without that very same support. Throughout this phase, your Excellencies, peace cannot be built in isolation or siloed positions. It is built through sustained agreements, through mutual responsibility, and through international commitment. Each delay in the implementation has a direct impact on the territories and on the victims. And each true advance is a specific form of providing reparations. Colombia today reaffirms its commitment with the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement as a state policy. And we also reaffirm our conviction that peace in Colombia means peace in the region. And peace in the region is an essential contribution to peace in the World. I thank you.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Villa Vicentio Mapi for. For the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of United Kingdom.

Thank you, President. Let me begin by welcoming Foreign Minister Villavicencio to the Council for today's session. I thank SRSG Yancha for his briefing and I also thank Ms. Quintero for sharing her experiences. The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong support for the full implementation of Colombia's 2016 peace agreement. We congratulate Colombia's election authorities, security forces, political actors and above all the Colombian people on holding free, fair and peaceful congressional elections on 8th March. We look forward to similarly successful presidential elections. We welcome the Defensoria del Pueblo's electoral pact on free and peaceful elections and urge all actors to uphold its principles. As the Secretary General's report makes clear, security challenges and violence remain widespread. Killings, threats against civilians and social leaders, child recruitment and oppression by armed actors persist. An unacceptable 491 peace signatories have been killed, including four in this period. As we heard today, people in Catatumbo and other conflict affected areas across Colombia require urgent protection. We call for greater efforts to protect women and girls and indigenous and Afro Colombian communities who are disproportionately affected by violence. We welcome the government's efforts to progress rural reform. We're encouraged that women, including Ms. Quintero, have become beneficiaries of land, in this case an all women farm in Catatumbo meeting. Immediate protection needs must go hand in hand with creating pathways for sustainable development. Rural reform is fundamental to tackling the inequalities that drive conflict. An effective state presence combined with development opportunities constrains the operating space for armed groups and illicit economies. We also welcome the reactivation of the Commission for follow up Promotion and Verification of the final peace agreement and the positive steps taken to implement a new international verification mechanism for SENTENCES and the ethnic chapter. President looking ahead to Colombia's democratic transition and beyond. The peace agreement requires sustained investment with strong leadership from the government and adequate funding as part of a comprehensive approach to to delivering peace, security and stability in Colombia. The United Kingdom is committed to supporting Colombia on that path, working together with international partners and the UN verification mission as it carries out its vital work. I thank you.

I thank the representative of United Kingdom for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and my own country Liberia. At the outset, we welcome Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mape, Minister of Foreign affairs of Colombia, and thank her for honoring us with her presence and enriching our discussion with her insights. Similarly, we thank SRSG Miroslav Yancha for his insightful briefing and commend him together with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia for their continued dedication to supporting Colombia's peace process. We also appreciate the contribution of Ms. Olga Lucia Quintero Sierra, General Coordinator of Catatumbo Peasant association, to today's meeting. Mr. President, we have taken note of the Secretary General's latest report on on the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. It reminds us that Colombia stands at a decisive moment working to consolidate peace, advance reconciliation and safeguard democratic institutions and human rights. We remain guided by our shared commitments as African Member States to peace, sovereignty, multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter. In this regard, allow me to make four points. First, on the political process, the A3 commends the government and the people of Colombia for their sustained commitment to the implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement. As Colombia marks the 10th anniversary of the agreement this year, this milestone represents a renewed opportunity to refresh efforts towards the full, comprehensive and accelerated implementation of all its provisions. Furthermore, we welcome the peaceful conduct of the congressional elections, the increased participation of citizens and the gains made in women's representation. Special electoral districts for historically marginalized communities are a positive step toward addressing structural inequality. As the presidential elections approach. We urge all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent process, as well as to guarantee women's full, equal and safe participation free from violence and intimidation. Second, on the security front, while we acknowledge progress, the deterioration of security in several regions remains a serious concern. Armed groups continue to adapt, draw on illicit economies and challenge state authority. We are also concerned by the use of new technologies, including drones, which increase risks to civilians and democratic processes. Full implementation of the security provisions of the peace agreement is therefore essential, as also is the protection of civilians, former combatants and civil society actors, especially as Colombia approaches presidential elections. Third, on the humanitarian situation, the humanitarian impact of violence continues to be severe, particularly for Afro Colombian communities living in remote and historically marginalized areas. The displacement of more than 8,400 people and the confinement of over 23,000 during the reporting period reflect both immediate security challenges and long standing structural exclusion. Addressing these realities requires inclusive, protection centered responses that recognize historical injustices and ensure equitable access to assistance and recovery. In this regard, we welcome the government's adoption of a ten year policy for victims of forced displacement. Fourth, on human rights, the A3 remains deeply concerned about the human cost of violence, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict and illicit economies. Behind the numbers are former combatants targeted for choosing peace, social leaders silenced, women subjected to abuse and ethnic communities forcibly displaced. We are especially alarmed by the continued recruitment of children by armed groups and gender based violence. These violations are unacceptable. They demand accountability and a victim centered approach to peace building. From Africa's own experience, Mr. President, we know that sustainable peace requires accountability, nationally owned protection mechanisms and meaningful community participation. We therefore reaffirm our support for the full implementation of the human rights provisions of the peace agreement with the continued accompaniment of of the United nations in full respect of Colombia's sovereignty. Mr. President, Colombia's journey towards sustainable peace is challenging, but it is achievable. Africa's own experience shows that lasting peace rests on rural reforms, reintegration, human rights protection and the rule of law. The A3 reiterates its strong support for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and its continued solidarity with the Colombian people. And I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China.

President. I thank Special Representative Yancha for his briefing and welcome Foreign Minister Villa Vicentio to today's meeting. I also listen carefully to the statement by the Civil Society representative. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Colombia Peace Agreement. Over the past decade, the government and people of Colombia have made tremendous efforts on the path towards lasting peace and development, achieving significant progress and setting a model for resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. China highly commends this. We support Colombia's peace process in in building on the past achievements and delivering more tangible results. I'll make a few points. First, the peace agreement should be continuously implemented. The peace agreement is essential for Colombia's long term stability and for regional peace and security. At present, Colombia is at a critical electoral juncture where opportunities and challenges coexist in implementing the agreement. China welcomes the smooth conduct of Colombia's congressional elections and supports the orderly preparation for the presidential election. All parties concerned should, after the elections, uphold a firm commitment to the Colombian people, strengthen unity and cooperation, consolidate the hard won peace games, actively address risk and challenges in implementing the agreement and inject new momentum into the peaceful process. Second, the security environment should be effectively ensured. According to the report of the UN Secretary General, despite some security measures taken by the Colombian government, violence in certain regions and illegal armed groups continue to pose serious threat to formal combatants. Social and political leaders and vulnerable groups hindering the implementation of the peace agreement. China supports the Colombia government in strengthening election security, accelerating the implementation of the security provisions of the peace agreement, increasing state presence in remote areas, combating illegal armed groups and organized crime, and effectively protecting civilians and formal combatants. China also hopes that progress can be made in peace talks between the Colombia government and anti government armed groups in order to create more favorable conditions for a peaceful environment. Third, national development should benefit the people. China commends the Colombia government for prioritizing comprehensive rural reform in implementing the peace agreement and for supporting vulnerable groups in areas such as land distribution, housing, employment and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that the Colombia government will strengthen coordination and increase resource input, create conditions for the reintegration of the former combatants into society, ensure that these measures benefit the broader population and eliminate the root causes of violence at an early date. In addition, international support should be more sustainable. The government and people of Colombia need strong support from the United nations and the international community in their pursuit of peace. China commends the UN Verification Mission in Colombia for extensive engagement with all parties and its important role in advancing the peace process. China supports the mission and its special representative in continuing to effectively carry out the mandate and to provide stronger support for for the implementation of the peace agreement. China stands ready to work with international community to provide more assistance for a peace process that is Colombian led and Colombian owned. President Last month Colombia successfully hosted the 10th summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States to which President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message. China will always be a good friend and good partner of Latin American and Caribbean countries. It supports its countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests. The two sides will work together to advance the five programs of Solidarity, Development, Civilization, peace and People to people connectivity so as to deliver more benefits to the people on both sides and make great contributions to to regional peace and development. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I now give the floor to Representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank the Special Representative, The Secretary General, Mr. Miroslaviancha and Ms. Olga Quintero Sierra for their briefings. I would like to wish a warm welcome to the Minister for Foreign affairs of Colombia, Ms. Rosa Yolanda Vilivencio Maru. Sir, Colombia has started its electoral process and it is at a political turning point. The Colombian people elected its representatives to Congress in May. The government's efforts to ensure the smooth running of the elections should be welcomed and show the robust nature of Colombian institutions in the Lead up to the presidential election of 31 May, there's a need to remain vigilant and to ensure that the security of candidates is guaranteed. Despite the assassination of the one of the candidates last summer, the pre electoral and electoral processes have been relatively peaceful, but violent incidents have been reported and some territories remain under the influence of armed groups. These armed groups profit from drugs trafficking and illegal gold mining and they continue to attack civilians and abuse them. Children whose recruitment is ongoing are the primary victims of this. Given these threats, the 2016 peace agreement is the most effective framework for ensuring lasting peace in and stabilization. Rather, in Colombia, the Peace Agreement is the only comprehensive political framework that can tackle the structural causes of instability that continue to threaten the country. Comprehensive rural reform contributes to remediating territorial inequalities and providing alternatives to the illicit production of drugs. The reintegration of former combatants and security guarantees seek to prevent a resumption of violence and transitional justice strives to foster national reconciliation whilst combating impunity. This is why the full implementation of this agreement is in the interest of Colombia to ensure its long term stability and security. France reiterates its call to do all it can to speed up its implementation, in particular through better institutional coordination and bolstered presence of the state throughout the whole of Colombia. As for this Council, it's its responsibility to accompany Colombia along these lines. The UN verification mission is a tangible expression of our mobilization to support the peace process in Colombia. France reiterates its full support support for the SRSG and the Mission in their efforts to assist Colombia in its move towards lasting peace. The Mission's presence throughout the whole of Colombia and its expertise make it a key partner to guide peace efforts and to prevent any resurgence of conflict. Mr. President, France will continue to stand alongside the Colombian people as for example, it started by taking on the role of accompanying country under Chapter 1 of the 2016 agreement. It will also continue to work to ensure that the Council risks mobilized to match the courage and resilience of the Colombian men and women.

Thank you the representative of France for the statement. I now give the floor to representative of latvia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me start by extending a warm welcome to Her Excellency Rosioland Vicentio Mapi, Minister of Foreign affairs of Colombia to this meeting And I thank SRSG Miroslaviancia for his briefing and Ms. Olga Quintero for sharing her insights. Mr. President, as Colombians exercise their democratic rights at the polls this year, it is particularly important to emphasize the relevance of the peace agreement in leading the country towards an inclusive democratic environment and tackling the structural causes of the conflict as reflected in the report of the Secretary General. Despite persistent and structural governance challenges, we note that the implementation of the final peace agreement continues to progress and going forward, the focus must continue to be placed on effective and well coordinated implementation by the Colombian authorities and all stakeholders, including comprehensive rural reform, reintegration and extending state presence. I'll make three points. First, Colombia's recent, largely peaceful elections of the Congress reflect the combined impact of the 2016 peace agreement, robust electoral institutions and sustained international engagements. It demonstrates a solid transition from conflict driven politics to a rule of law based democratic system in Colombia. Although violence by armed groups in the conflict affected regions continues to raise serious concerns, we commend the Colombian institutions for conducting congressional elections in an orderly manner. As Colombia approaches presidential elections in May, we underscore the importance of ensuring the security for all candidates and voters. We note with satisfaction the female representation at almost 30% in the new composition of the Congress. Colombian women are powerful agents of transformation whose leadership has been instrumental in both drafting the peace agreement, which fully integrates a gender perspective, as well as in advancing its implementation. Yet their contributions are too often overshadowed by narratives that solely focus on their suffering and victimhood. It is essential that women in Colombia continue to be fully recognized as indispensable peacebuilders, as affirmed by Colombia's National Action Plan on Women Peace Security. We also welcome the election of 16 members in the House of Representatives under the provisions of the peace agreement. Participation of victims, women, ethnic groups and farmers from conflict affected regions in the political processes in Colombia is key to inclusive democracy and political stability and contributes effectively to the implementation of the peace agreement. Second, peace in Colombia requires construction of a more just and present state. We emphasize the importance of continuity of full implementation of a peace agreement regardless of the election outcomes in Colombia. Given its comprehensive approach to security, justice and inclusion, the final peace agreement remains the most viable mechanism for achieving durable peace in Colombia. It sets a clear path forward and continues to serve as a roadmap for Colombia to carry out comprehensive security strategy and address structural causes of the conflict in order to avoid setbacks and strengthening the rule of law. The gains consolidated over the past 10 years should be capitalized and built upon, and that is especially relevant when it comes to the work carried out by Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is a cornerstone for transitional justice and reconciliation efforts in Colombia. Third, according to UNICEF, in Colombia, roughly every 20 hours a child is recruited into armed groups and tens of thousands more are at serious risk of recruitment, especially from indigenous and African descents. We encourage Colombian government to strengthen state presence in the conflict affected regions, protect schools and education centers and invest more into development of remote and vulnerable areas. This will also provide opportunities for children and employment for youth, helping to counter the persistent recruitment attempts from armed groups, including through social media, which has become a growing concern. Finally, Latvia remains a trusted partner under solidarity with the Colombian people and we reiterate our strong support to the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and command its solid and constructive territorial presence through the country, which is crucial for maintaining strong credibility and trust in the UN mission from diverse stakeholders and most importantly, Colombian society. And the mission should continue to focus on its work in the conflict affected regions to ensure successful fulfillment of the mandated tasks for the benefit of the Colombian people. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. He now give the floor to to representative of Pakistan.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Srsg Miroslav Janshah for his briefing. Pakistan acknowledges the positive contributions made by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. I also thank Ms. Olga Lucia Sierra for her very valuable remarks. We welcome Her Excellency, the Foreign Minister of Colombia in today's briefing. Your presence, Madam, is a testament to Colombia's sustained commitment to peace. Pakistan remains committed to supporting Colombia and its people for the full implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement, a Colombian led and owned roadmap for ensuring lasting peace, stability and prosperity for all its peoples. We deeply appreciate and laud Colombia's efforts towards its implementation and reiterate our strong solidarity with the Colombian people. President Overcoming the challenges from a protracted conflict remains an arduous task. We acknowledge the difficult domestic environment in which Colombia continues to implement the 2016 agreement and we commend all parties for their steadfast and resilience in implementation of this agreement. We take note of the recent holding of Congressional elections in the country and commend all political actors for endorsing the pact for a free and peaceful electoral process and we are confident that the presidential elections next month will be held in an orderly and peaceful manner. We support Colombia's continued progress in the implementation of the peace agreement across all facets and to alleviate the suffering of all those affected by the long drawn conflict. We take particular note of the government's efforts at providing opportunities for the ex combatants to earn livelihood while reinforcing the protection measures in place. Despite challenging and complex security situation, targeted violence against ex combatants and social and political leaders by armed groups is reprehensible and we strongly condemn attacks by armed groups targeting the state security forces and urge all armed actors to renounce violence respecting fully Colombia's national laws. Full and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable way to extend state presence in areas where challenges persist and to reassure the Colombian people. We encourage all parties to maintain this vital momentum, continue the peace building process and transform the promise of peace and hope for a better future into a tangible reality for all Colombians. Towards this end, Pakistan will continue to support all efforts, including by this Council and the wider UN membership, to accompany Colombia towards lasting peace and stability. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Gracias. Thank you, Mr. President. We would like to thank the special representative of the Secretary General for Colombia, Miroslav Gencha, for his detailed report and we would also like to recognize his important work and leadership at the helm of their verification mission. We would like to greet the Minister of Foreign affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, who we cordially welcome. The constant high level representation on behalf of the sisterly Republic of Colombia in these sessions reiterates their solid commitment to the final agreement and peace. We would also like to welcome Olga Lucia Quintero Sierra, the General Coordinator of the Catatumbo Peasant Association. In a period characterized by elections, it is timely to begin this statement by highlighting the broadly peaceful character of municipal and legislative elections in Colombia that were held on 8th March. We would like to underline as something positive that for a second time a vote was held on the 16 peace representatives in the House of Representatives in Colombia. These spaces are absolutely key so that peasants, victims, women, Afro Colombians and indigenous groups, and by that I mean all of those that were just disproportionately affected by the conflict are able to preserve a tangible role in decision making. On the other hand, it is alarming to see constant threats against the physical integrity of candidates. Panama, just like we regretted and condemned the murder of pre candidate and Senator Miguel Urabe, Turbine, categorically rejects any form of political violence. Colombia is without a doubt and largely a society full of democratic and peaceful convictions. This is why we would like to highlight the commitment to a free and peaceful electoral process made on behalf of the Ombudsman of the People as a key tool to fight against stigma, disinformation and narratives that undermine peace. President we would like to express our solidarity with the over 8,400 Colombians that between December and March were internally displaced. And we would also like to reiterate that we are following with special attention the situation of the 23,000 people that are living in confinement due to the constant armed clashes and lockdowns. In that sense, Panama notes with concern the expansion of the indiscriminate use of drones in several regions of Colombia, and we would like to reiterate our firm rejection to their use because they present a disproportionate risk for the civilian population. While we recognize persistent challenges in the implementation of the final agreement, we value Colombia's specific efforts and results which are reflected in the implementation of the development programs with the territorial focus, as well as in the formalization, allotment and restitution of land. When it comes to the special jurisdiction for peace, Panama reiterates the importance of this constitutional component of the final agreement as an innovative mechanism which is key to advance reconciliation, restorative justice and assurances of non repetition. It is also a landmark initiative that could be considered and adapted to other transitional justice context. In this vein, we will closely follow possible verification modalities on behalf of other international actors, as well as the evolution of sanctions and processes to identify responsibilities. President Protecting signatories of the peace agreement, human rights defenders and populations that have been historically affected by the conflict as well as the general population is essential. Therefore, Panama reaffirms that safeguarding the right to life should continue to be at the center of all efforts geared towards consolidating peace in Colombia. Panama reiterates its firm support to the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia as a whole and especially values its concrete assistance in terms of protection and follow up of the commitments contained in the final agreement, as well as in the verification of the reintegration of former combatants, security guarantees, agrarian reform and its support to all processes on the ground. While there are persistent challenges, we are confident that the Colombian state will continue to redouble its efforts as much as necessary to ensure that peace reaches every single one of its territories. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, we thank Minister Slavient for his detailed report on the situation in Colombia. We listened with interest to the representative of civil society, Ms. Quintero, and we welcome to the meeting the Minister for Foreign affairs of Colombia, rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. Mr. President, Colombia has entered another electoral period. Its main priority, in the context of ongoing internal armed conflict is the security of the candidates and the electorate. The grim story of political violence in the country and the quite recent assassination of the Senator Miguel Uribe continues to cast a shadow over the electoral process. In this context, we note that the election speaks to Congress on 8 March were calm, although there were some unpleasant incidents before election day. We trust that in the lead up to the presidential elections throughout the entire territory, order will be established and conditions will be put in place for secure and democratic vote to take place. Given that 60% of municipalities have armed groups in them, this requires bolstering state control on the ground and in particular in remote regions. Irrespective of the outcome of the forthcoming election, the implementation of the final peace agreement must be a top priority for the future authorities, as has been the priority of the administration over the past four years. And once again the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Villavicencio confirmed this. The historical agreements of 2016 that brought an end to decades of armed conflict between the government and farc. EP is not a dish on a menu for political leadership in Bogota. It is the very basis for national reconciliation and the voluntary compliance by the parties with the obligations approved by the UN Security Council resolutions. In this regard, the Security Council and Russia as a permanent member will continue to monitor implementation of the final peace agreement, fully harnessing the UN Verification mission. In Colombia over the past nine years since the agreement entered into force, both involuntary and intentional delays in its implementation led to a situation in which the situation both with ex combatants and victims of the conflict and civilians as a whole in affected reasons can hardly be dubbed sustainable and safe. The gaping hole in implementation of the agreements, and we keep hammering this home, is the protection of about 12,000 former fighters who've laid down their arms. The fact that measures to ensure their safety and reintegration are insufficient is borne out by grim statistics. About 500 cases of killings of former FARC members, numerous attacks and threats, sky high levels of unemployment and mass formed disposal displacement because people fear for their lives. There is a degree of concern about prospects for former fighters being represented in dialogue with the authorities because the Communist Party was not elected to Congress. We note nonetheless that the movement's leadership has confirmed its commitment to the final peace agreement. We trust that we will still hear from representatives of the signatories of to the agreement at the Council meetings, because statements by them are extremely useful to get a comprehensive picture of what is going on. Mr. President, despite the removal of tasks to verify compliance with sentences handed down by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, the SJP of the UN Verification Mission, Transitional justice as an integral part of the final peace agreement should not be lost sight of by the Council. It's important that the SJP continues to work independently and painstakingly, while recognizing nonetheless the need for the timely handing down of decisions regarding those who are most responsible for crimes committed during the armed conflict. The Colombian authorities in turn must create conditions for the appropriate implementation of sentences. Restoring justice and also ensuring the security and safety of all participants of the process is a precondition for national recognition. RECONCILIATION we intend doggedly to draw this attention to issues with implementing the final agreement. We are firmly convinced that without progress in this area, seeing success in the dialogue for peace with other armed groups, as well as ensuring safety in the country as a whole and security, will be very difficult. We do hope that the future leadership in Bogota will recognize this and the existing authorities will use the time left to them to make as much progress as possible on implementing. Implementing rather the final peace agreement. The international community, through the UN Verification mission and its head Miroslaviancha, should lend them all necessary assistance. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Russian Federation for the State. I now give the floor to representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President. I welcome the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Minister for Foreign affairs of Colombia. I would like to thank Special Representative Miros Labiencha for his insightful briefing and Ms. Olga Quintero for her pertinent remarks. As Colombia has entered its national elections period, the significance of the final peace agreement is more evident than ever, having contributed in a fundamental way to the country's stability and democratization. In view of the above, I would like to make the following three points. First, Greece welcomes the elections held and commends the authorities for ensuring a peaceful electoral process in March. The incidents of violence against candidates and political leaders by illegal armed groups in rural and conflict affected areas in the run up to the elections remain, however deeply concerning. As the presidential elections approach in May, security measures must be put in place for both candidates and voters. In these regards, we welcome the impact led by the Office of the Ombudsperson to ensure peaceful elections free from hateful rhetoric and disinformation. Moreover, the peace agreement's provision for 16 seats representing conflict affected regions highlights its role in promoting reconciliation and the inclusion of former combatants and peace signatories in public and political life. Equally important is the fact that despite the Communist Party losing congressional representation, its leaders acknowledged the electoral results and reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to the peace agreement. Second, we appreciate the progress achieved in the implementation of the final peace agreement, in particular regarding rural reform and the Reintegration of EX competence the combined implementation of these two components of the peace agreement is crucial to reducing historical inequalities, fostering development in rural regions, ensuring redress for the victims of the conflict, providing alternative economic opportunities to elicit activities, and enhancing state presence in conflict affected areas. Third, we remain deeply concerned by the violence in regions under the influence of illegal armed groups, in particular by the killings, forced displacements of local populations and illicit economic activities. The impact of the use of drones against civilians is also alarming as armed groups continue to clash with each other and with security forces. We therefore commend the government's adjustment to its security strategy through a dual track approach that combines dialogue with armed groups with strengthened security measures in conflict affected regions. At the same time, we condemn the violence perpetrated by armed groups and urge for the immediate cessation of illicit activities, including the recruitment and use of children, as well as sexual and gender based violence against women. Mr. President, in closing, Greece reiterates its unwavering support for the SRSG and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia as they support the Colombian government in the implementation of the final peace agreement. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement. I now give the floor to the Republic Representative of United states.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to our briefers. Today the United States remains deeply concerned about instability, violence and illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in Colombia. The violence and drug trafficking perpetrated by terrorist organizations and illegal armed groups jeopardize the safety of not only Colombians but but the safety of everyone in the region, including Americans. On March 19, one of these groups, FARC EP dissidents led by alias Yvonne Muridisco, threatened the UN verification of monitoring missions, access to territories within its purview. We urged the Government of Colombia to prioritize addressing these threats that these groups pose with respect to terrorism, other crimes and abuses. Illegal armed groups have precipitated an acute humanitarian crisis while committing rampant abuses against civilians, including forced displacement, confinement, sexual violence and the unlawful recruitment and use of children in combat. Curbing the cultivation of coca and the production of cocaine is also essential to preventing illegal armed groups from imposing a reign of terror across the country and the region. The United States condemns all those who seek to undermine peace through narco trafficking and terrorist activity. The United States continues to designate groups active in Colombia as foreign terrorist organizations, cutting off their funding and resources. There must be no impunity for acts of terror or violence by illegal armed groups. We note the Secretary General's report that States Congressional elections took place with no major disturbances to public order. As Columbia approaches presidential elections, the United States remains vigilant of any actions by groups that threaten the integrity of these upcoming elections. These elections are occurring in the shadow of the assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay last year, a stark reminder of Colombia's dark days of political violence where political leaders were killed, kidnapped and prevented from freely campaigning. We condemn death threats made against presidential candidates in Colombia and applaud Special Representative Yencha's condemnation of such threats. The United States stands with the Colombian people as they work towards lasting peace and security and Colombia. Thank you.

I thank the representative of United States for the statement. I now give the floor to Representative of denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank Special Representative Gencha and Ms. Olga Quintero for their briefings and I welcome Colombia's Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicento to this meeting. The latest Secretary General's report detailed an important political juncture in Colombia with the election of its new Congress in March. We congratulate the people of Colombia on the successful and peaceful conduct of these elections. Elections are volatile moments, not least in countries emerging from conflict. Looking ahead to presidential elections next month, it is imperative that authorities take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of candidates and voters to enable free, fair and inclusive elections. Democratic space, particularly in conflict affected areas, must be protected and respected. Against this backdrop, allow me to focus on three points. First, as we approach the 10th anniversary of the 2016 peace agreement later this year, we commend the continuous commitment of the Colombian government to implement the agreement. Important progress has been made, notably in areas of rural reform and reintegration, key elements for building a lasting peace. However, there is still more to be done to stabilize conflict affected regions, as highlighted also by the SISG in his briefing, we urge the new government in Colombia to continue the course and prioritise fulfilling the promise of the peace agreement. Second, conflict related violence in regions across Colombia regrettably continues to pose significant danger and undermine implementation of the peace agreement. The reporting period was marked by persistent security challenges for former combatants, vulnerable communities and political and social leaders. Violence, including killings and forced displacements, continues in several departments amid clashes amongst illegal armed groups. We further call on the government to prioritize the implementation of the policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organizations and expand state presence in conflict affected areas to protect vulnerable communities. In light of this week's opening of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, we must underscore the disproportionate disproportionate impact of violence against indigenous peoples, including indigenous human rights defenders. Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a human rights defender, with nearly 1000 individuals killed between 2016 and 2025. In this regard, enhanced implementation of the ethnic chapter is also key. At the same time, women continue to face heightened risks and barriers to participation due to armed violence and gender based discrimination. We stress the importance of advancing women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in peace agreement in peace implementation, as well as strengthening the protection of women leaders. Third, Denmark is concerned by the worsening impact of the conflict on children in Colombia. Recent reporting highlights the continued threat of recruitment and use of children by non state armed groups disproportionately against indigenous peoples and Afro Colombians. This was made painfully clear earlier this year when 26 bodies, including four Indigenous children from the NASA people, were found in an area of armed group conflict in the Department of Guaviare. Denmark calls on all illegal armed groups to cease their recruitment of children and release all those they have within their ranks. Strong prevention and protection measures and prompt investigations and accountability of perpetrators are all key elements. We welcome the significant progress made in case seven of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace with six former top FAR DP commanders acknowledging the responsibility for the recruitment of over 18,000 children during the conflict and for sexual and reproductive violence. This is a positive step for transitional justice and redress for the victims. Mr. President, in closing, Denmark reiterates our steadfast support for the Colombian people on their path to sustainable and and lasting peace. Despite challenges, Colombians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination and we wish them a safe and secure presidential election in the coming weeks. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative representative of Bahrain.

Excellencies, from the outset I would like to wish a warm welcome to His Excellency Her Excellency rather Rosa Yolanda Maru, Minister for Foreign affairs for Colombia. We welcome to her to our meeting. I'd like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General for his report on the situation in Colombia and. Mirzavient, head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. I'd like to thank him and Ms. Olga Lucia Quintero Sierra, Representative of the Catatumbo Peasant Association. I'd like to thank them for their briefings. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the the Secretary General's report on Colombia. It accounts the progress made in implementing the final peace Agreement of 2016. In particular efforts linked to rural Comprehensive reform, reintegration, security and protection. To this end, we would like to underscore three important points. Firstly, the Kingdom of Bahrain. The supports pursuing the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. This is the fundamental comprehensive agreement to achieve national reconciliation that is lasting and to build the foundations of security and stability in Colombia whilst guaranteeing the rights of victims and strengthening comprehensive development efforts for all components of Colombia. The Kingdom of Bahrain considers that progress made is a positive step and this should be welcomed. We underscore the importance of continuing efforts in the area of transitional justice, rural development and pursuing investment in the area of sustainable development. This in order to contribute to achieving security, stability and prosperity in Colombia. Secondly, we welcome the efforts made by the Republic of Colombia to protect children and to strengthen women's participation. We insist on the importance of continuing efforts to ensure necessary security for the most vulnerable groups as well as stepping up legal and judicial mechanisms to guarantee ensuring that those groups involved in violence against women and in forced recruitment of children be brought to justice whilst underscoring the need to bolster social programs to reintegrate people affected in their communities in a safe, lasting manner. Thirdly, we welcome the success of the Congress elections in March 2026. This demonstrated the resilience of the democratic system in Colombia and the ability of these national institutions to ensure a free and fair electoral process. Despite challenges on the ground, we do believe that the participation of the Colombian people in all of its diversity in this election and the fact that millions of voters went to polling stations really showed the determination of the Gambian people to see that elections are the only way to ensure prosperity and security. The fact that there are 16 seats to represent those areas most affected by the conflict and the victims thereof is a positive step forward. This bolters the legitimacy of the legislative process. This is not just simple political representation. Rather this step is an effective tool to repair the political harm and to protect a vulnerable groups in the political decision making process. Therefore, we welcome the institution of security measures throughout Colombia to ensure the safe participation of all in the presidential election that is planned for this June. In conclusion, we do not want to ignore the active role of the UN verification mission and its efforts in monitoring the implementation of the final peace agreement and monitoring progress made in rural areas, development of infrastructure and coordination with parties affected in assisting transitional justice and guaranteeing the success of the presidential election. The Kingdom reiterates its support with the Colombian government and people to achieve peace and stability. We wish them every success as they organize the forthcoming presidential election. I thank you.

My function as a president of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.