S/PV.10010 Security Council

I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Jihoon Cha, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, and his team, for his service as President of the Council for the month of September. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Jihoon Cha and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Colombia to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and peace operations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/595, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I now give the floor to Mr. Jenča. Mr. Jenča: I am honoured to have been appointed by the Secretary-General as his Special Representative in Colombia. I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council today as I prepare to formally assume these new responsibilities in Bogotá later this month. The Security Council’s involvement has been fundamental to the achievements of Colombia’s peace process. I look forward to working closely with the Council to help ensure that Colombia continues to advance on a path to lasting peace and security. (spoke in Spanish) I would also like to acknowledge the participation today of Her Excellency Leonor Zalabata Torres, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Colombia. The Ambassador’s presence is very important. She is from the Sierra Nevada and is a witness to what has happened there and to what the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace has brought. We express our gratitude to the Government of Colombia for its continued cooperation with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. In his most recent report to the Council (S/2025/595), the Secretary-General highlights the efforts of the Government and calls for decisive action during the remainder of its term to achieve the full implementation of the final peace agreement. In September, immediately following my designation, I carried out a preparatory visit to Colombia. I wanted to reiterate the Secretary-General’s strong commitment to the peace process, and to be able to bring to this briefing first-hand impressions to complement his report. During the visit, I met with signatory parties to the Agreement and a broad range of interlocutors across the political and social spectrums, in Bogotá and in the field. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the heads of key government offices responsible for peace implementation presented their work across the array of issues addressed by the Agreement — from rural reform to reintegration, security guarantees and actions of specific attention to marginalized communities. They highlighted progress but also described frankly the areas where implementation has come up short over the years and needs to be reinforced through concerted State actions. National leaders of the Comunes party and former combatants at the local level with whom I spoke shared their expectations and concerns  — security foremost among them — while reaffirming their commitment to the Agreement and to their peaceful and productive reintegration into society. Steps towards accountability for serious crimes of the conflict were also moving forward during my visit. I met with the President of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace on the eve of the court’s issuance of the first sentences against former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC- EP) and members of the security forces  — a process that is crucial for ensuring truth, justice and reparations for victims. We discussed the critical role ahead for the Mission, as mandated by the Council, to verify compliance with, and implementation of, the sentences. I am also grateful to the civil society leaders who generously shared their perspectives about the peace process: women’s leaders; representatives of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities; peasant, human rights and youth activists; political sector leaders and members of the private sector who are investing in peace. Consolidating peace in Colombia after decades of conflict is a complex work in progress. As we meet today, the country is entering a delicate period that poses additional challenges. The coming national elections are increasing political tension and polarization. Current fiscal constraints impinge upon financing for peace. Recent tragic acts of violence and patterns of insecurity in certain regions are prompting urgent calls to enhance security. At the same time, I was struck by the determination of so many actors in Colombia to continue advancing in the implementation of the final peace agreement — convinced that it remains the country’s essential road map for building peace. I heard expressions of appreciation across the board for the work of the Verification Mission and United Nations system in Colombia, and for the active engagement of the Security Council. As the Secretary-General states in his report, Colombia has come a long way over the years on the path to becoming a more peaceful and secure nation. Nevertheless, and especially given recent violence, he stresses that every effort must be made to ensure that the country does not slip backwards but rather continues to move forward, along the trajectory of expanding peace and security. The peace agreement, he states, is central to the solution. Among its key provisions are rural reform, with the potential to unlock greater development opportunities and prosperity across the country, and security guarantees, which can contribute to tackling complex criminal dynamics and illegal economies. Implementing these chapters of the Agreement can contribute decisively to stabilizing regions that, today, The Secretary-General welcomed the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace as a historic milestone in the pursuit of justice for some of the most serious and emblematic crimes committed during the conflict. This is also a pivotal moment in the implementation of the Agreement. The conflict inflicted immeasurable suffering on victims and their families. The transitional justice process is delivering unprecedented convictions and fostering acknowledgement of responsibility by those who committed serious crimes, while involving victims in the process and offering redress to them through restorative action to be carried out by the perpetrators. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace has announced that such restorative actions include the search for persons who went missing during the conflict, the removal of mines, risk reduction activities and the construction of memorials and community infrastructure. The Verification Mission stands ready to independently and rigorously verify compliance and implementation. There is an immediate necessity for the Government to establish the conditions for the prompt translation of these sentences into restorative actions on behalf of the victims. Last week, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace called on the Government and Congress to urgently assign additional budgetary resources for this purpose. The reintegration of the more than 11,000 members of the FARC-EP who laid down arms and remain an active part of the peace process is central to the integrity of the Agreement. As described by the Secretary-General in his latest report, this is also a security imperative for Colombia and key to preventing the recurrence of conflict. The Mission is verifying the relevant commitments on reintegration, especially highlighting issues of security and sustainability. Given the nearly 500 former combatants killed since the signing of the Agreement, enhancing security for them and, equally important, for communities, is critical. Yet, despite this major concern, we see an impressive commitment by the vast majority of those who laid down arms to peacefully reintegrate into society. At the Llano Grande integration area, to which I travelled in the Department of Antioquia, former combatants were growing coffee and building the first durable housing with Government support since laying down arms nine years ago. They were also joining in with common projects with a nearby community. Various interlocutors stressed to me that the insecurity remains the greatest threat to peace. Persistent violence in various regions of Colombia, fuelled by illegal economies and disputes by armed groups over territorial control, is seriously impeding progress in implementing the Agreement and is severely affecting the civilian population. As the Secretary-General has argued, effective security strategies are needed in combination with peace policies. The armed groups must cease all threats and violence against the civilian population. It will be particularly important for the State to ensure the safe conduct of the coming elections — a call that I conveyed strongly during my visit and one that the Mission will be following closely in the months ahead. There can be no repeat of atrocious acts of violence such as the assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. Let me conclude by offering the Secretariat’s full readiness to assist the Council, as it will soon be turning to the renewal of the Mission’s mandate. Since its establishment, the Mission has worked through different phases of the peace process and with successive Administrations in Colombia, which, with varying approaches, have shouldered the responsibility to implement the Agreement. As part of the UN80 exercise, the Secretary-General proposed significant efficiencies, while preserving the Mission’s core capacity to deliver on its mandate. One of the key assets is its presence in the regions prioritized by the peace agreement, including some of the remotest and most conflict-affected areas. In line with this broader organizational realignment, the Mission has already taken steps to streamline operations, including by reducing personnel previously deployed to verify the now- inactive ceasefire between the Government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional. Colombia is a rare case in which the Council has been able to respond with targeted assistance to a nationally owned peace process. These are favourable circumstances for the United Nations to continue making positive and focused contributions. I thank Council members for their attention. I pledge to do my utmost to exercise sound leadership on the ground in pursuit of our collective work for peace and security in Colombia.

I thank Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and wish him every success in his new post, which he will soon assume. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Let me start by congratulating our Korean colleagues for the excellent stewardship of the Council in the month of September, a really busy month of September. I wish you, Mr. President, the best for the month of October. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. We congratulate him on his appointment, and we look forward to working closely with him in his new role. We also warmly welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Colombia in our meeting. The United Kingdom fully supports the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. It remains one of the most successful peace processes of the past 50 years. It has delivered tangible improvements in security and prosperity for Colombia and remains a road map for further progress. Nevertheless, as we approach the ninth anniversary of the Agreement, we remain concerned at the speed of implementation and call on the Government to accelerate its efforts. The United Nations Mission continues to have a vital role to play. While nothing could put right the wrongs of 50 years of crimes, the 2016 Agreement put restorative justice at its heart to promote reconciliation within Colombian society. Last month, landmark sentences were issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) against those responsible for hostage-taking and extrajudicial killings. This represents real progress in delivering justice and accountability for the victims. We urge the Colombian Government and the SJP to work together to ensure full implementation of these and future sentences, in line with the expectations of victims. We also welcome progress on rural reform and reintegration of former combatants. The United Kingdom is concerned about ongoing violence towards peace signatories, community leaders and security forces. Four hundred and eighty peace signatories have been killed since the Agreement was signed. We call upon the Government to do more to protect signatories and all vulnerable communities. As we look ahead to elections next year, we are clear that political violence has no place in Colombia. The assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was a tragedy and a warning of the risks that Colombia faces. We urgently call for strengthened protection measures and improved institutional coordination to counter further violence. The United Kingdom is and will remain a committed friend and partner to the people of Colombia as they journey towards lasting peace and security. We look forward to working with partners in the Council on the mandate renewal of the United Nations Mission. This should reflect the situation on the ground and include efficiencies and streamlining of the Mission, where appropriate.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Korean delegation for a presidency that was as busy as it was well conducted. I wholeheartedly wish the Russian Federation the best for this presidency and, of course, assure it of our full support. I would like to thank the Special Representative-designate, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, for his briefing on the situation in Colombia and the activities of the United Nations Verification Mission. Of course, we assure him of France’s support as he begins his new mandate and has already taken some preliminary steps. I also welcome the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of Colombia. The United Nations Verification Mission and the Special Representative play a key role in supporting the peace process. The progress made since the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in 2016 has been facilitated thanks to the combination of Colombia’s commitment, of course, but also the unwavering support of the Mission and the Council. However, the continuing violence by dissident armed groups highlights the fragility of the progress made. International support must continue through the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission and the Special Representative. This is essential for the future of the peace process in Colombia and its ability to remain, as has already been underscored, a model for the resolution of conflicts and crises around the world. Following the briefing by the Special Representative-designate, I would like to make several remarks. Of course, the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement remains key. France welcomes the first restorative sentences handed down by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. This is an important step in the innovative transitional justice process established by the 2016 peace agreement. The conditions must be met for the effective application of these sentences. Collective efforts, but in particular those of the Colombian State and Government, must also focus on the following areas in order to strengthen the State’s authority across the country. First, rural reform is an essential pillar for addressing the structural causes of the conflict. France, as a supporting country for this chapter of the peace process, is providing support to Colombia to ensure that land allocation and regularization continue. Thirdly, security is an essential condition for the full implementation of the peace agreement. France strongly condemns the continued violence by armed groups, despite proposals for dialogue to establish or restore the ceasefire. We encourage the Colombian State to continue its efforts to protect former combatants, social leaders, Indigenous figures and the most affected communities. The situation of child victims of recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence and other serious violations of their rights is alarming. France reiterates its call for armed groups to unconditionally release recruited children and to put an end to these practices, which violate international law. France welcomes the Colombian Government’s commitment in this regard and encourages it to continue its efforts, in particular to reintegrate those children who have been recruited and used by armed groups. Lastly, extending State authority across the whole country, including in areas liberated from the control of armed groups, and successfully combating illicit drug trafficking, which is a source of funding for these groups, are priorities. The effectiveness of the Colombian Government’s action requires better inter-institutional coordination and the allocation of sufficient resources. This will determine the Colombian Government’s ability to translate its political will into concrete results for the population. It is also necessary to redouble vigilance as the election period begins and the fight against political violence remains a challenge for the success of the peace process. Sadly, we have witnessed this in 2025, when several local political figures, social leaders and a presidential candidate, Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, were tragically assassinated. As this critical moment for Colombian democracy and for an exemplary peace agreement approaches, the Council’s support for Colombia is more necessary than ever.

Allow me, Mr. President, to wish you the best in your presidency in October and to warmly thank the Republic of Korea for the excellent handling of the presidency in September. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing and wish him the best of luck in his new role as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Colombia in this meeting. Denmark commends the resolve and determination of the Colombian people on their path to peace. Nearly nine years since the signing of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, there has been significant progress made. We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to this road map. Allow me to focus on three key areas. First, despite the progress made, greater focus and resources must be given to ensure the full implementation of the peace agreement. Denmark welcomes the Colombian Government’s commitment to comprehensive rural reform. However, challenges remain. Budgetary constraints and insufficient coordination between State institutions have limited the overall transformation of rural territories, which is critical for sustainable peace. Extending State presence, public investment and services into marginalized rural areas are urgent priorities. This would offer viable alternatives to illegal economies. We encourage enhanced State coordination across all chapters of the peace agreement to accelerate implementation. Secondly, to echo Assistant Secretary-General Jenča, insecurity and violence remain a constant cause for concern. Communities in conflict-affected areas suffer Thirdly, Denmark commends the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace on Case 1 and Case 3. This is a pivotal and long- awaited moment — a historic step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is crucial that sentenced individuals fully comply with their sentences and remain committed to peace. Translating these sentences into restorative actions must be done without delay. We call on the Colombian Government to ensure that the necessary conditions are provided, particularly funding and security guarantees. In closing, let me reiterate Denmark’s steadfast support for Colombia’s peace process. Now more than ever, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia remains a crucial tool of the Council and the parties to the Agreement to ensure compliance and build trust. Denmark looks forward to working with the Council members for a timely renewal of the Mission’s mandate at the end of this month. The path to peace is not always straightforward and not without turns. The United Nations and the international community must continue to stand by Colombia in its peacebuilding to ensure sustainable and lasting peace for its people.

I congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency this month, and I would like to thank the delegation of the Republic of Korea for its very successful presidency. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative designate Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and wish him all the best in the new role that he is about to assume. Greece reiterates its unwavering support to him and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and appreciates the good offices it provides in facilitating the effective implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. (spoke in Spanish) I also welcome the presence of the Ambassador of Colombia today. (spoke in English) Greece fully supports the peace process in Colombia, anchored in the 2016 peace agreement and commends the progress achieved, primarily in rural reform and the reintegration of ex-combatants. Indeed, land distribution can significantly contribute to the integration of ex-combatants, offering them livelihoods and alternatives to illegal economies. This interlinkage between rural reform and reintegration can have a considerable impact on reducing violence in rural areas. We urge the Colombian Government to continue working on the full implementation of the Final Agreement, focusing especially on providing security guarantees, enabling I would like to make the following three points. First, we welcome the issuance of the first historic restorative sentences against perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the armed conflict. The acknowledgement of responsibility on the part of the perpetrators and the reparations they will offer to victims and communities represent the crucial first step towards genuine reconciliation and overcoming intergenerational trauma in Colombia. We urge the Government to take all necessary measures for the successful implementation of the restorative sentences and the indictees to sincerely fulfil their restorative activities. Secondly, we condemn political violence and are deeply saddened by the death of Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, and we express our condolences to his family and the people of Colombia. We acknowledge the arrest and sentencing of the perpetrator who confessed to the crime and call for the continuation of the investigation to identify any accomplices or instigators. We call for a peaceful electoral period, prioritizing the safety and security of all candidates and facilitating the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in the electoral process. Thirdly, we remain concerned about the persistent violence in conflict-affected areas, where armed groups are competing for territorial control and create illegal economies. We condemn all related attacks and encourage the Government to pursue peace dialogues only with actors that are genuinely committed to peace. At the same time, we commend the demining initiatives that took place during the reporting period, which will contribute considerably to the protection of civilians and rural populations. In conclusion, Greece reiterates its support for the peace process in Colombia, which seeks to address the root causes of the conflict and the historic injustices. On our part, we remain committed to a Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process that will rectify the inequalities of the past and provide justice for the victims and survivors of the conflict.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia and my own country, Guyana (A3+). Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, and the Russian Federation on assuming the presidency for this month. I also wish to extend our gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its excellent stewardship of the Council last month. We congratulate Mr. Miroslav Jenča for his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and thank him for his briefing. We also thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his dedication to, and stewardship of, the Verification Mission over the past six years. We also commend the United Nations Verification Mission team in Colombia for its invaluable work. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Her Excellency Mrs. Leonor Zalabata Torres, in today’s meeting. We are just past the halfway mark of the implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Considering the decades of conflict in Colombia that preceded and indeed necessitated the Agreement and that of ongoing peacekeeping missions, nine years is a relatively short time for implementation. The A3+ therefore commends the progress made in the implementation of the Agreement and encourages the Government of Colombia to Having considered the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/595), the A3+ offers the following observations. On land reform, the A3+ believes this is a central pillar of rural reform and is critical to consolidating peace in Colombia. We commend the Government of Colombia for prioritizing this aspect of the peace agreement by facilitating access to land for peasants, rural women and victims. We take note that, as of August, approximately 33,000 hectares had been adjudicated during the reporting period. We also commend the formalization of more than 125,000 hectares, bringing the overall total to almost half of the target set out in the Final Agreement. We are, however, concerned that 66 per cent of the issuance of definitive land titles remains pending and urge the Government to further accelerate the process of rural reform. The A3+ is encouraged that former combatants remain committed to the reintegration process, which is important to promoting sustainable peace, stability and development. We therefore see it as positive that 95 per cent of those active in the reintegration process have completed their individual reintegration plans and that approximately 17,000 hectares of land have been delivered to them. We note the approval of productive projects for over 90 per cent of former combatants, including women, but only 20 such projects led by women have received funding. We encourage the provision of greater support and funding in this regard. Regarding the ethnic chapter, the A3+ continues to be gravely concerned about its limited implementation. While we acknowledge that there has been greater momentum in implementation during the reporting period, we nevertheless reiterate the greater need for progress, as this will accelerate efforts to address the historical and structural marginalization of Afro-descendants and Indigenous peoples. We also call for the challenges impeding the implementation of the gender provisions of the Agreement to be addressed. We remain gravely concerned about the security situation and condemn the continued perpetration of violence against human rights defenders, social leaders, former combatants and vulnerable groups and communities. Ending the recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups and ensuring the immediate release of all children from their ranks must also be a foremost priority. We take note that the National Commission on Security Guarantees has not convened in over a year, hindering the implementation of the public policy designed to dismantle armed groups and criminal organizations. We call for a stronger and more substantial State presence, especially in affected regions, and for ensuring the full implementation of the security guarantees provisions of the Final Agreement. We believe that dialogue is the pathway to peace. Hence, the A3+ remains seriously concerned that peace talks remain suspended between the Ejército de Liberación Nacional and the Government of Colombia. We urge the parties to resume peace talks and encourage the Government to prioritize discussions that are likely to yield results. We commend the progress made by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in issuing the first long-awaited sentences. We encourage strengthened coordination among the Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure their implementation without In closing, the A3+ reiterates its unwavering support for the Government and people of Colombia in pursuing sustainable peace. We reaffirm our support for the United Nations Verification Mission, recognizing the significance of its work in the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement.

First of all, allow me to extend our warmest congratulations to you, Mr. President, and your team on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of October. We wish you every success in the discharge of your important responsibilities. I also extend my sincere congratulations to the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia-designate, Mr. Jenča, on assuming his new role, and I appreciate his comprehensive briefing today. Additionally, I welcome the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Ambassador Zalabata Torres, representing the Colombian Government. Colombia’s peace process has reached notable milestones, from the Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s first restorative sentences in September and achievements in rural reform to advances in the reintegration of former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia combatants, including the large-scale provision of housing in territorial areas for training and reintegration. Yet persistent and intensifying violence by multiple armed groups, lagging land adjudication, the lack of security measures for vulnerable populations and a continuing lack of institutional coordination and State presence have slowed the momentum. With less than one year remaining in the current Administration’s term, sustaining momentum will hinge on turning commitments into concrete results. To help close those gaps, my delegation would like to highlight the following points today. First, the Republic of Korea again welcomes the Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s issuance of the first restorative sentences in mid-September. This demonstrates that Colombia’s innovative transitional justice model, which pairs accountability for crimes with victim-centred reparation, has begun to work. In order for Colombia’s transitional justice to be successful, it is imperative that the country establish enabling conditions for the implementation of restorative activities, including concrete security plans for sentenced individuals, dedicated budget allocations and the designation of responsible entities. Secondly, my delegation recognizes the sustained will and efforts of the current Administration to implement comprehensive rural reform aimed at addressing the root causes of the armed conflict. As a result, land formalization has achieved nearly half of the 7-million-hectare goal of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. However, the pace must accelerate, considering the time remaining under the peace agreement. In this regard, Colombia needs to prioritize strengthened Government coordination and find sufficient land pipelines, while integrating security measures to protect the adjudicated lands and the livelihoods of targeted beneficiaries. In addition, my delegation hopes that the Republic of Korea’s ongoing bilateral projects for digitally transforming land information and building capacity for multipurpose cadastres can soon lead to concrete outcomes to help accelerate Colombia’s land reform. Last but not least, Korea remains deeply concerned about continuing violence against former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia combatants, social leaders and women, along with Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Since the Peace Agreement was signed, 480 former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia combatants have been killed, with further attempts and threats reported. Those attacks undermine the overall implementation of the peace agreement. The peace agreement is a national commitment indispensable to achieving peace in Colombia. The international community, including the Security Council, has supported its comprehensive implementation. My delegation therefore underscores that the momentum behind its implementation must be maintained, regardless of which political party takes office next year. The Republic of Korea remains committed to sustaining its support for Colombia’s journey towards a lasting and durable peace, drawing on our long-lasting ties and strategic cooperative partnerships.

We would like to welcome the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, Mr. Jenča. We look forward to continuing our work with him in his new capacity. The United States, of course, supports peace and security in Colombia and justice for victims of narco-terrorism. In fact, history will look back on United States contributions to plan Colombia decades ago as a true success story for the people of Colombia. Unfortunately, the current Government of Colombia and continued politicization are undermining progress in achieving sustained peace in Colombia. I would like to make three points in that regard. First, the actions of the Government of Colombia continue to undermine chances for achieving a lasting peace. President Petro Urrego’s policies on security and peace — both in Colombia and around the world — are, frankly, irresponsible. Failures to plan, budget and coordinate with its own Government have led Colombia to greater instability and to violence. Just last week, during the General Assembly high-level week, President Petro Urrego used outrageous rhetoric, right here on United States soil, to urge American soldiers to disobey lawful orders and to incite violence on United States soil. This rhetoric is an example of the broader reckless and incendiary actions of the Colombian Government. Secondly, the politicization of peace is a threat to sustained progress. Security and justice should be guaranteed to all Colombians, not subordinated to political priorities. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia was established to verify the demobilization of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo terrorist group. Unfortunately, over time, the Mission’s mandate has broadened to reflect excessive political priorities, including transitional justice and supporting minority ethnic groups. The United States is closely examining this Mission’s mandate and whether it merits continued Security Council support based on an assessment of the contribution it makes to peace and security in Colombia. Thirdly, violence from armed groups continues to concern the United States. We too mourn the tragic assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, an inspiring young political leader cut down while campaigning in the streets of Bogotá. We agree, and we urgently stress to all actors that political violence has no place in civilized society, and we, too, urge the Government to do everything it can to protect the voices and lives of its political leaders. In recent months, Colombia has been rocked by attacks by narco-terrorist groups on Colombian security forces and civilians. The violence and drug trafficking perpetrated by these armed groups, if left unchecked, can spread and jeopardize the safety of Colombians and that of everyone in the region — and certainly that of Americans. We urge the Government of Colombia to prioritize addressing this threat. And we are deeply concerned about the prospect of “total peace” negotiations facilitating impunity for these groups. The

At the outset, let me also commend the delegation of the Republic of Korea for leading the Council during the month of September, and I wish the current President all the best at the head of the Council for the month of October. I thank Special Representative-designate Jenča for his briefing and extend our best wishes for success in his new role. We trust that, under his leadership and with the support of the Council, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia will continue its vital role in helping to ensure that the aspirations for peace in Colombia are translated into tangible results. I also welcome Ambassador Zalabata Torres to today’s meeting. Let me begin by emphasizing the importance of the continued political commitment of the signatory parties to the full implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. We welcome the progress achieved in implementing the ethnic and comprehensive rural reform chapters, the latter being critical for fostering development and expanding State presence in areas where former combatants, rural women and ethnic communities, among others, continue to suffer from persistent violence. Going forward, particular attention must be afforded to security guarantees, including those aimed at dismantling illegal armed groups and criminal organizations, which continue to undermine development and the stability of conflict-affected areas and communities. We encourage the Government to use the remainder of its term to take decisive steps towards the full implementation of the Agreement, which also represents an investment in ensuring the safe conduct of the upcoming elections. In that regard, Slovenia reiterates its call for the full, equal, meaningful and safe political participation of women, as well as their inclusion in all decision-making processes. Furthermore, we welcome the issuance of the first restorative sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, marking not only a pivotal moment in the implementation of the Agreement but also a historic step in Colombia’s exemplary transitional justice process. We join the Secretary-General in calling for the sentences  — imposed on both former commanders of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo and former members of the public security forces — to now be implemented and translated into reparations for the benefit of the victims. To that end, it is essential that the sentenced individuals fully comply with their sentences and that the Government ensures that all necessary prerequisites are in place. As in other areas and in accordance with its mandate, we recognize that the Verification Mission is best placed to provide independent and rigorous verification in that regard. We are looking forward to the renewal of its mandate. On that note, allow me to conclude by assuring the people of Colombia of Slovenia’s unwavering support on their path towards lasting peace.

We extend our greetings to the Russian Federation and congratulate it on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, as we are confident that its experience and capabilities will ensure its success. We also congratulate the Republic of Korea on its work over the past month. We thank Mr. Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and congratulate him on his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Colombia. We are confident that his leadership will contribute decisively to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. We also welcome the Permanent Representative This meeting comes at a crucial moment for the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Recently, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) issued its first rulings: in Case 01, on kidnappings committed by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo, and in Case 03, on murders and forced disappearances attributed to members of the security forces. These rulings impose the maximum imposable penalty under this transitional justice system. They combine effective restrictions on freedom with restorative measures for victims and represent a milestone in the enforcement of the Final Agreement by concretely implementing, for the first time, the truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition focus at the heart of the peace process in Colombian. We therefore trust that Colombia will promptly create the necessary conditions to implement these rulings, allowing the restorative sanctions to be carried out, strengthening confidence in the process, and confirming the value of a special system of justice with accountability that is creative and effective and serves as inspiration for the rest of the world. In this sense, we echo the words of the President of the SJP, Alejandro Ramelli, spoken during the presentation of the first sentence: “This sentence will not give them back everything they lost. It cannot change a painful past or make up for lost time. No sentence in the world can do that. But it does seek to alleviate their pain and that of their families”. Against this background of reflections, loss and grief, we deeply regret the unjustifiable assassination of Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. We express our condolences to his family and to all the Colombian people. These events, although painful, do not represent the majority of the Colombian people, who continue to support peace, democracy and respect for dissent. On the contrary, they unfortunately disturb the political climate and damage democracy. In this context, we value the initiative of the commitment to a free and peaceful electoral process in Colombia, led by the Ombudsman’s Office and supported by the Verification Mission and other regional and international organizations. This effort is an important and necessary step allowing all political actors to jointly declare their commitment to peace. Likewise, in the framework of the peace agreement, we underline the importance of the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics, as a key tool to ensure guarantees for all political actors. For Panama, the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement plays a crucial role. It is essential to continue strengthening it and to accelerate the implementation of the development programmes with a territorial focus. On the other hand, following the recent attacks in Amalfi and Cali, we reiterate that security guarantees are fundamental for the sustainability of the peace process. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and hope that the authorities will succeed in bringing those responsible to justice. In this complex context, it is essential to ensure the protection of community leaders, peace signatories and the defenders of human rights and of communities that continue to be the most exposed to violence. With regard to ongoing dialogue, while we welcome the agreements reached, we reiterate that the peace policy must be supported by a solid security policy. Dialogue should only be deepened with those actors who demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. Colombia, despite persistent challenges, has made very significant progress compared to the levels of violence prior to the peace agreement. More than The purpose of the Council must be to give strong support to those who follow the path of peace. Colombia has taken firm steps in that direction, and the international community and the Council must support these efforts to prevent and close the door to any possibility of regression. In this sense, the Verification Mission in Colombia is and will continue to be essential to this process. Its presence in the territories must continue because it is key to realizing the Council’s commitment to peace in our region.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Russian Federation on the assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. I take this opportunity to assure you, Mr. President, of my delegation’s full support and cooperation. (spoke in English) We also deeply appreciate the excellent manner in which the Republic of Korea steered the work of the Council last month. We congratulate Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča on his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and the Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in the country and thank him for his informative briefing. I commend the United Nations Verification Mission’s efforts to assist the Colombian Government in the implementation of the peace plan. We welcome the Permanent Representative of Colombia to this meeting. The 2016 peace agreement is a Colombian-owned and Colombian-led effort to bring lasting peace to the country, putting an end to the decades of violence adversely affecting the Colombian people. This agreement embodies much more than the commitments undertaken by the signatory parties. It signifies hope for a better future, a future free from violence, and a pathway to collectively build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Colombia. We remain mindful of the difficult and challenging domestic environment in which Colombia continues to implement the peace plan. We support Colombia in undertaking administrative, legislative and judicial measures for the comprehensive implementation of the peace plan. We commend the Colombian Government, and parties to the 2016 Agreement, for the progress made thus far in the implementation of the plan, particularly their continued commitment and perseverance. Their willingness to remain engaged is indispensable for the success of the peace process and lasting stability in Colombia. Sustainable efforts for reintegration, advancement in rural reforms, the provision of avenues for earning livelihoods and reinforced protection measures remain central to breaking the cycles of violence. Security challenges in certain regions are a matter of concern and threaten to upend the gains and reverse the progress made thus far. The humanitarian consequences of the continued violence in certain regions are also alarming. The targeted killings of ex-combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders are deeply disturbing and deplorable. We support the Colombian Government’s efforts to strengthen security measures and extend State control to regions lacking an institutional State presence. Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay’s assassination is a stark reminder of the security challenges that Colombia faces as it moves closer to the electoral process. We support Colombia in bringing those responsible for this killing to justice. We condemn the attacks carried out against Colombian police and military personnel by armed groups and urge all armed groups to renounce violence and engage constructively and recommit to dialogue with full respect for national laws. In conclusion, we strongly encourage all parties to sustain the vital momentum for peace, ensuring comprehensive implementation of the peace plan in a sustainable and integrated manner, allowing the promise of peace to become a tangible reality for all Colombians.

Let me begin by congratulating Russia on assuming the Council’s presidency this month. Mr. President, my delegation will provide you and your colleagues with full cooperation. My congratulations also go to the Republic of Korea for the smooth conduct of its presidency of the Council last month. I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for the briefing. We congratulate him on his appointment as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Colombia. We look forward to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) continuing its active role in advancing the peace process in Colombia under his leadership. Since 2016, the people and the Government of Colombia have actively implemented the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, making significant strides on the path towards peace and development. With more and more low-hanging fruit having been picked, what remains are the toughest challenges. All parties in Colombia must strengthen their resolve and unity to continue advancing towards peace and development. I would like to share a few thoughts. First, the full implementation of the peace agreement is key to addressing the issue. China supports President Gustavo Petro Urrego in increasing resource allocation and strengthening overall coordination in the remainder of his term to achieve more tangible results in implementing the peace agreement. Recently, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace issued its first restorative sentences, marking a significant step forward in Colombia’s peace process. We hope these sentences will be effectively enforced to heal victims’ wounds, promote peaceful reconciliation and deliver justice. Secondly, solid progress in national development is crucial for peace consolidation. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/595), rural reform helps the Government effectively control conflict-affected and remote areas and combat the illegal economy and related violence. We welcome the progress in land adjudication and formalization in Colombia and encourage the Government to continue advancing rural reform and to accelerate the implementation of the development programme with a territorial focus, thereby extending the benefits and dividends of development to more people. We commend Colombia for actively facilitating land and housing access for former combatants and for promoting their participation in productive projects. We hope Colombia will leverage the coordinating role of the National Reintegration System to accelerate concrete actions and to ensure the safety and livelihoods of former combatants. Thirdly, continuously improving the security situation is a prerequisite for the country’s stable development. Recently, Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was assassinated in a shooting. An attack on a police helicopter and an explosion near a military base resulted in casualties. China supports the Government of Colombia in strengthening security deployment to safeguard the lives of its Fourthly, the international community must continue to provide assistance to Colombia. The country is now at a crucial stage in its pursuit of peace and development, making external encouragement and support indispensable and especially important. It is essential that all relevant parties, while respecting Colombia’s sovereignty and national ownership, contribute to the country’s peaceful development rather than create obstacles and extend a helping hand rather than interfere arbitrarily. China commends the contributions made by UNVMC to the peace process in Colombia and supports its continued active role. We stand ready to work with other Council members to decide on the renewal of the Mission’s mandate.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. We thank Mr. Miroslav Jenča for his detailed briefing and look forward to the commencement of his work as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia. We are convinced that his extensive experience in diplomatic service and within the United Nations system, particularly in the Latin American region, will enable him to lead the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) wisely and effectively during this challenging period for the country. We wish to thank Mr. Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu, former Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his significant personal contribution to the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Colombia to today’s meeting. The current situation of the peacebuilding process in Colombia is indeed challenging — perhaps more so than at any time in recent years. Despite the continued commitment of the national authorities to the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, progress has stalled in many areas. A key concern remains the provision of security guarantees for former combatants. In the past three months alone, nine more individuals who voluntarily laid down their arms and chose peace were killed. This is unacceptable, especially when the National Commission on Security Guarantees, which was specifically established under the Final Peace Agreement, has not met for over a year. Without ensuring the basic security of former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, it is impossible to speak of their full reintegration into Colombian society. Moreover, threats to the lives of demobilized combatants send a negative signal to members of armed groups who, under such circumstances, see little incentive to abandon armed struggle. At the same time, we note some positive developments in the implementation of rural reform. Land redistribution in favour of victims of the conflict, though progressing slowly, has significantly outpaced what was achieved under previous Colombian Administrations, which had sabotaged the process. The most significant milestone in the recent implementation of the peace agreement has been the first sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. We welcome this step, which is the culmination of years of meticulous work by the judges, who analysed thousands of pieces of evidence and testimonies relating to crimes committed during decades of armed conflict. We trust that these and subsequent verdicts by the Jurisdiction will help restore truth and justice for the victims and bring long-awaited legal clarity for the accused, the vast majority of whom have pleaded guilty and cooperated with the investigation. Beyond the peace agreement framework, the Government’s strategy of conducting parallel negotiations with armed groups active in Colombia, unfortunately, continues to stagnate. Given the fragmentation of “traditional” non-State armed groups and the lack of progress on the respective dialogue tracks, we have taken note of the first round of negotiations in Doha between the Government of Colombia and the group known as the Clan del Golfo, which refers to itself as the “Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia”. We remain deeply concerned by the escalation of armed violence in the country, in particular the terrorist acts in the departments of Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia and Caquetá, as well as the brutal murder of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a well- known politician and presidential candidate. We strongly condemn all manifestations of terrorism. We note the role of UNVMC in securing the release of hostages held by rebel groups. The only appropriate response to violence by non-State armed groups is decisive action by the authorities to protect the population and strengthen the State’s presence in conflict-affected regions. Despite those high-profile incidents, we should neither question the need to achieve national consensus through peaceful initiatives nor allow the heated pre-election atmosphere to obscure this fundamental goal. The Final Peace Agreement remains the cornerstone and model for achieving national reconciliation. Its implementation must remain at the centre of the Colombian Government’s efforts. As a permanent member of the Security Council that endorsed this foundational document, the Russian Federation will continue to firmly support it, regardless of political dynamics in Bogotá or other capitals. In this context, we support the preservation of the core mandated tasks of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia as an indispensable tool for the international community to engage with the parties to the peace process and to monitor the situation on the ground. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

It is an honour to address the Council at this quarterly meeting, which holds great importance for our country. Today I speak to Council members from my seat in the Council Chamber not only as the Permanent Representative of Colombia, but also as a woman, as an indigenous person of the Arhuaco people of the Sierra Nevada and as a leader in the defence of the human rights of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. My presence here reflects that dual role. I have been given a mandate by the Colombian Government, and I also carry a mandate and ancestral wisdom from my indigenous culture, which has resisted extermination for centuries and is the guardian of life and harmony in the indigenous territories of our country, practising peace with nature. The convergence of worldviews that I represent is tangible proof that peace in Colombia is a multi-ethnic and multicultural project of national unity. My words reaffirm the commitment of President Gustavo Petro Urrego’s Government to the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 peace agreement and in particular, of its ethnic chapter, which recognizes indigenous and Afrodescendent peoples as Allow me to begin by welcoming the appointment of Mr. Miroslav Jenča as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. Colombia reaffirms its full willingness to continue working in coordination with the Mission, whose presence remains vital, particularly in the areas most affected by the conflict. Today, before the Council and the international community, Colombia reaffirms that the peace agreement signed in 2016 remains in force. This Government assumes it with historic responsibility and is fully determined to move forward towards its comprehensive implementation. Under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro Urrego, we have promoted structural actions that demonstrate concrete progress: comprehensive reparation for victims, the transformation of the territories most affected by the conflict and the establishment of dialogue with all illegal armed actors. We are convinced that peace requires a long-term vision, continuity in public policies and a sustained commitment on the part of the State, society and the international community. Among the most significant areas of progress, we would like to highlight the following. During the current Government’s tenure and as of August 2025, 1,732,564 hectares of rural land have been formally allocated. Since the signing of the peace agreement in 2016, a total of 3,083,387 hectares have been formally allocated. The rate of multidimensional poverty decreased from 39.8 per cent in 2018 to 24.4 per cent in 2024. The gap compared to the national average shrunk by 7.8 points — from 20.7 in 2018 to 12.9 in 2024. One hundred indigenous reserves have been established, covering a total area of 208,738 hectares, and 74 reserves have been expanded, with an area of 737,576 hectares. Additionally, 65 community councils have been established, covering an area of 42,256 hectares. Currently, a bill is being debated in Congress. Its aim is to strengthen and extend the development programmes with a territorial focus for 10 more years, until 2037, as part of the national commitment to peace and territorial justice. Despite adversity and the persistence of violent actors, more than 11,000 signatories remain active in the Comprehensive Reintegration Programme. The Government has allocated approximately $3.39 million to promote productive projects in all 32 departments of the country, providing alternatives for a dignified life to those who have laid down their arms. Strengthening the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics has facilitated progress towards protecting social leaders, signatories of the agreement and political actors and has been key in strengthening electoral security and democratic participation, which are key pillars of the political opening committed to under the agreement. In this same spirit, the democracy plan and the national plan for electoral guarantees have been launched. Those plans include specific protection measures for signatories, human rights defenders, rural communities, women and ethnic peoples. In addition, affirmative action has been taken to enable the political participation of organizations of women victims in the 2026 elections. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace issued its first two rulings, a development hailed by the Secretary-General and a milestone for transitional justice in Colombia and worldwide. The crucial task now is to implement these decisions under the supervision of the Verification Mission, in fulfilment of the specific mandate conferred upon it by the Council. In this regard, the Government is moving forward on the institutional preparations necessary to implement the sanctions handed down by the tribunal. Regulatory and operational guidelines have been defined, and We cannot disregard the fact that challenges remain — violence against social leaders and former combatants, illicit economy activities and social divides, which are fuelling inequality. We therefore underscore the importance that the Verification Mission holds for Colombia. Its endeavours constitute a pillar of peacebuilding by serving as an early warning channel, a strategic partner in the State’s response and an impartial actor vis-à-vis the communities. This is why Colombia, in all its diversity, our Indigenous Peoples included, deeply cherishes the unanimous backing provided by the Council for the peace process. The renewal of the Mission’s mandate would be not only an act of support for Colombia and its people but also clear proof that the Council is discharging its primary responsibility to preserve international peace and security. Colombia is convinced that the international community, and the United Nations in particular, will remain strategic allies throughout this journey. We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the Mission and every single member of the Council. Peace in Colombia is not only a national goal; it is also a global public good that we must all safeguard.