S/PV.10095 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, 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/2025/849, 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: It is a pleasure to address the Security Council at the start of a new year of opportunity for Colombia to keep advancing, with the constructive support of the Council, towards the lasting peace that its people so deserve. (spoke in Spanish) It is an honour to be here with Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia, as Colombia participates in this quarterly meeting on its peace process for the first time as a member of the Council. I am certain that Colombia’s own experiences and its dedication to peace will continue to inform and inspire conflict resolution around the world. (spoke in English) Since deploying to Colombia in October 2025, the Mission, under my leadership, has implemented the adjustments to the mandate approved in resolution 2798 (2025), adopted by the Security Council that same month, and I have informed the various stakeholders in the peace process about these changes. I can report today that the Mission has been reorganized accordingly and focused on verifying the implementation of the provisions of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace concerning comprehensive rural reform, the reintegration of former combatants, and their security and that of communities in conflict-affected regions. Mission structures were changed to focus on those three key pillars of work, while discontinuing previous verification tasks on transitional justice, the ethnic chapter and ceasefire monitoring. As a result of those changes, combined with further streamlining under the UN80 process, the Mission goes forward in 2026 with the budget approved by the General Assembly, with nearly 200 fewer posts and a resource reduction of nearly $15 million, or more than 17 per cent. Importantly, the Mission has retained its essential field presence in conflict-affected regions. We now count on the continued support of Member States to be able to fully implement the mandate. Over the past three months, I have met with key counterparts for the implementation of the peace agreement at the national level and around the country. They highlighted the fundamental importance, for achieving peace, of the three pillars of the refocused mandate of the Mission. During visits to departments such as Caquetá, Nariño, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Norte de Santander, Arauca and Guaviare, I was struck not only by the immense challenges facing communities in conflict- affected regions, but also by their resilience and determination to achieve a better future. For leaders and members of communities in some of Colombia’s most remote areas, day-to-day life is a difficult struggle owing to the actions of different illegal armed groups and the limited presence of the State, public services and development opportunities. Their courage is inspiring. Governors and mayors, peace signatories, victims, women leaders and representatives of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, church officials, private sector leaders and State officials working to bring peace and development to those regions conveyed to me their confidence in the work of the Mission and highlighted the importance of its presence on the ground. I am pleased to report that, earlier this week, the Mission was once again part of a humanitarian commission that worked with the Ombudsperson and the Catholic Church to facilitate the safe release of five members of the Colombian national police, who had been seized and held against their will by an armed group in the north-east of the country. The reintegration of former combatants is always essential to the success of peace agreements designed to put an end to internal armed conflicts. Ensuring the transition of former fighters to civilian life is also a security imperative for Colombia’s present and future, to avoid the recycling of violence. Nevertheless, nine years after the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo laid down their arms under the peace agreement, the path has proven challenging for the more than 11,000 former combatants who remain active in the Government’s reintegration programme. These are men and women often living in remote areas, with limited infrastructure and access to markets and facing threats to their security. For the authorities, it has also entailed major efforts, both financial and programmatic, to facilitate their transition into civilian life. This is a necessary investment for Colombia, and substantial progress has been achieved. The commitment of the peace signatories — many of them now raising families — is admirable but much remains to be done. A fish farming cooperative I visited recently in Nariño, a coffee plantation I toured in Cauca and a livestock farm in Norte de Santander, on land acquired from a local rancher, are among the many examples of reintegration in action. Nevertheless, the economic sustainability of many of the productive projects launched by former combatants has yet to be secured. Access to land, be it for housing or productive purposes, has progressed but must be fully resolved. And security, the greatest concern in many regions, is still fragile. Since laying down their arms, 487 former combatants have been killed. This is an unacceptable attack on peace. I call on the authorities to redouble efforts to investigate these crimes and prioritize security guarantees for peace signatories. Although violence is far lower today than at the height of the armed conflict, the presence of armed groups in areas still affected by conflict continues to inflict suffering on entire communities. A mix of factors is fuelling the violence. The limited presence of the State provides fertile ground for the armed groups to exert control and for illicit economies to prevail. The consequences for the civilian population are grave, as detailed again in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/849): threats and killings of social leaders, forced displacement and confinement, and an alarming increase in the recruitment and use of children by armed groups. Border areas are particularly complex. The Mission’s team based in the city of Cúcuta, on the border with Venezuela, is part of the response to continuing clashes between rival armed groups that have forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes in the Catatumbo region, a hub of coca cultivation and cross-border armed activities and criminality. The peace agreement provides a framework that can significantly contribute to addressing many of these problems, particularly its sections on security guarantees, illicit drugs and rural reform. It offers a much-needed holistic vision, by providing for the strengthening of the State’s capacity to dismantle criminal structures, to promote alternatives to coca cultivation and concrete development measures through its comprehensive rural reform. Through its work on security guarantees, the Mission will continue to promote protection for vulnerable populations and more effective public policy responses to address the security deficits in conflict-affected regions. The rural reform section of the Agreement affords a historic opportunity to address one of the root causes of conflict in Colombia. Its purpose is to resolve a long-overlooked imbalance in land distribution and in the provision of basic goods and services. While moving forward with the reform has been challenging, the delivery of almost 300,000 hectares of land in recent years to peasants, victims and ethnic peoples is significant progress. Greater efforts are needed to meet the target set out in the Agreement, to implement the development programmes with the territorial approach offering peace dividends to rural communities, and to give life to new instruments such as the agrarian jurisdiction, established under the Agreement to resolve land disputes. These steps require focused attention by the executive, as well as by the legislature. As the year begins, I wish to echo the Secretary-General’s call for all involved to intensify their efforts towards the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. In particular, we call upon the current Administration to expedite the process as much as possible during the remaining months of its term. Strengthening the Government’s high-level architecture for implementation, as ordered by the Constitutional Court, would lay a particularly important foundation for the future. The next Government will then shoulder the responsibility of the Colombian State to carry forward an Agreement that arrives this year at its tenth anniversary, marking two-thirds of the way along the 15-year timetable envisioned for implementation. As the country approaches elections, strategies for consolidating peace and security will be part of the debate. Ensuring the security of candidates and voters in conflict-affected regions is crucial. Colombians deserve a safe environment in which to exercise their political rights. The expansion of voting in areas historically affected by conflict, which we have witnessed since the signing of the final peace agreement, should be maintained. In parallel, the electoral period brings with it a tendency towards divisiveness, which must be countered with dialogue, respect and tolerance. The United Nations system, including the Mission, are contributing in this respect through a campaign on fighting hate speech and disinformation. At a time of tensions both globally and regionally, it is in everyone’s interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia. The year ahead undoubtedly provides a window to advance peace as a strategic national objective and for Colombia and its partners to engage constructively through dialogue to address shared challenges notably in the border areas where cooperation on all sides is essential. Colombia has come a long way on the path to peace and security, and the Peace Agreement provides a solid road map to keep moving forward. I trust that the Council will maintain its support and solidarity for this historic peace process and greatly appreciate its confidence in the Verification Mission.

I thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, for presenting the most recent quarterly report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (S/2025/849). As the current Government approaches the final stretch of its term and, at the same time, assumes its responsibility as an elected member of the Security Council, Colombia deeply appreciates the balanced, objective and constructive nature of the report. This report recognizes the significant progress achieved, identifies persistent challenges and reaffirms a fundamental truth, namely that peace in Colombia can be strengthened only through the full implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, a national aspiration whose benefits transcend our borders and strengthen regional stability and the multilateral system as a whole. Since it was created, the Verification Mission has been an essential pillar for building trust between the parties and an invaluable asset for multilateralism. In an international context marked by protracted conflicts, growing tensions and challenges to the multilateral order, the Council’s sustained support for the Colombian peace process demonstrates that multilateralism is not only necessary but also effective. Last November, we commemorated the ninth anniversary of the signing of the 2016 peace agreement, a historic milestone that brought more than five decades of armed conflict to a negotiated end and opened an unprecedented path towards peace, justice and reconciliation. We thank the United Nations and the Council for their continued support to the Colombian people, and we reiterate that this political support must continue to be accompanied by financial resources and technical assistance, which are essential for the peace to be translated into real transformations in the territories. The implementation of the 2016 peace agreement is a commitment by the Colombian State and society to definitively end the armed conflict and build a stable and lasting peace. Its implementation is, therefore, comprehensive, indivisible and structural. While the Verification Mission, in accordance with its mandate, focuses on specific areas defined by the Council, the Colombian State implements the Agreement in its entirety. In this regard, we welcome the fact that in the quarterly report, the Secretary- General emphasized that the full implementation of the Agreement remains a precondition for achieving peace, justice, reparation and reconciliation. We also appreciate the efforts made to explore mechanisms that will allow aspects such as the ethnic chapter and the restorative sanctions of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) to continue to receive the support of the United Nations system, in line with the provisions of resolution 2798 (2025). We recognize that the recent modification of the Mission’s mandate did not fully satisfy the majority of the members of the Council. We are especially grateful to those States that defended a broad and comprehensive vision of the mandate. Colombia respects the decision taken and reaffirms its absolute support for the Verification Mission, whose work remains essential to the stability of the process. One of the most painful and urgent challenges in implementing the peace agreement is the security of the signatories. Since 2016, 487 former combatants have been killed, 45 of them in 2025, a worrisome increase compared to 2024. This figure cannot be relativized: it is a human tragedy, a blow to confidence and a structural risk for the consolidation of peace, and even for other ongoing peace initiatives. Colombia acknowledges this reality with self-criticism and responsibility. This is a problem that transcends Governments and political circumstances. Within the framework of the Council, it must be addressed as a serious threat to the implementation of the Agreement and not as a temporary situation related to a specific policy. Without security guarantees, there can be no effective reintegration or real guarantees of non-repetition. In this context, during the reporting period, key bodies of the 2016 peace agreement, such as the High-level Unit, the National Commission on Security Guarantees and the Commission for Monitoring the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics, met regularly and made concrete progress. The monitoring instrument for the Strategic Security and Protection Plan was agreed upon, with a technical monitoring subcommittee; the coordination between the Committee for the Promotion of Investigations and the Office of the Attorney General was strengthened; the Tripartite Security and Protection Mechanism addressed electoral and gender issues; and the National Commission on Security Guarantees prioritized the dismantling policy in Catatumbo, Magdalena Medio and northern Cauca. For its part, reintegration continues to be a central focus of implementation. Nearly 11,000 signatories, equivalent to 89 per cent of accredited signatories, remain active on the path to full reintegration. So far, the Government has made substantial progress. Access to land for signatories will reach 18,000 hectares, well above the 800 hectares handed over by previous Governments; 1,500 housing solutions are scheduled for completion or are under construction; and 106 collective production projects are being promoted, along with individual initiatives supported by vocational training and subsidized loans, benefiting more than 800 families of reintegrated individuals. Likewise, the National Reintegration System, which coordinates 32 State entities, has begun to operate. However, challenges remain in terms of the economic sustainability of projects and in providing assistance to signatories outside the former territorial areas. We agree with the Secretary-General’s call to translate regulatory advances into sustainable results through greater institutional coordination and investment. We will continue to work in that direction. In this context, in order to ensure the sustainability of progress, the Government is moving forward with the establishment of an advisory body for the implementation of the peace agreement, in compliance with the order of the Constitutional Court. Colombia is aware of the Council’s call in this regard and is confident that it will resolve this issue in the very near future. The comprehensive rural reform is another structural pillar of the Agreement. As of November 2025, access to more than 700,000 hectares of the agreed target of 3 million hectares has been reported, as well as nearly 1.9 million hectares in formalization, out of the target of 7 million hectares, in addition to the strengthening of the Land Fund and progress in land registration, restitution and rural investments. Challenges remain in terms of resources, coordination and security, and progress is necessary in the area of agrarian jurisdiction. No previous Government has achieved such substantial progress on land issues, which are ultimately one of the structural causes of violence in Colombia. I would like to highlight that the Government of President Gustavo Petro secured the Senate’s approval of bill No. 405 of 2025, which extends the development programmes with a territorial focus until 2037, ensuring the continuity of the main public policy for the transformation of the regions most affected by violence. Driven by the 16 peace representatives, this decision ensures sustained investment for more than 5 million inhabitants in one third of the national territory, with an emphasis on sustainable development, institutional strengthening and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, recognizing that the structural transformation of the territories requires time and stability. As a State, Colombia is committed to the comprehensive implementation of the Agreement and, therefore, cannot discuss it without considering other points. With regard to transitional justice, Colombia reiterates that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace operates in accordance with international standards and, as the Council itself has recognized, sets an example for the world. During the second half of 2025, the first sentences were handed down against those most responsible, establishing orders aimed at reparation, non-repetition and the implementation of restorative sanctions. National Government entities have continued to work in coordination with the SJP to prepare for the implementation of restorative projects, while the sentences are being processed. Furthermore, the ethnic chapter deserves special mention. It represents a historic achievement for Indigenous Peoples and those of African descent. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to its implementation and regrets that insecurity continues to disproportionately affect these communities. Colombia has strengthened the coordination and monitoring of the ethnic approach, as part of the Colombian State’s historic commitment to Indigenous Peoples; black, Afro-Colombian, Raizal and Palenquero communities; and Rom peoples. The electoral context leading up to the 2026 elections is crucial for the consolidation of peace. The Colombian State has strengthened electoral security through a comprehensive plan led by the Committee for the Review of Electoral Protection Measures, with the participation of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the National Police and the National Protection Unit. Personal protection capacity has been doubled, and real-time monitoring mechanisms have been activated. The political participation of women has also been strengthened, particularly women leaders running as candidates for the Special Transitory Peace Electoral Districts through training, recommendations to the National Electoral Council to guarantee the political rights of women victims and the activation of protection routes for women leaders. We reiterate our condemnation of the recruitment and use of children and teenagers. We deeply regret the death of seven minors in the bombing of Guaviare and recall that the Government has adopted an operational decision in defence of the troops’ lives, deeply lamenting these losses. In conclusion, I would like to point out that Colombia is not presenting to the Council a perfect process but a real process with progress, challenges and lessons learned. Precisely for that reason, the support of the Security Council and the Verification Mission continues to be indispensable. Colombia’s experience demonstrates that peace is a long and demanding path, but one that is possible when there is political will, international support and a firm commitment to multilateralism. Colombia deeply appreciates the Council’s backing and reiterates its willingness to continue to work together towards a stable and lasting peace as a contribution to international peace and security.

Let me thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing and commend the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia for its continued efforts to support the implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. I also welcome Vice- Minister Jaramillo to the Security Council today. We encourage the Colombian Government to use its remaining time in office to drive forward the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement and to ensure that it passes on to its successor strong institutions that are able to continue delivering on the commitments within it. This includes the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement, which brings together the high contracting parties to resolve issues in implementation. The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement as a whole, including its provisions on transitional justice and the ethnic chapter. These remain essential to deliver restorative justice, accountability and reconciliation in line with the expectations of victims and to ensure that measures taken recognize the disproportionate impact of the conflict on Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. We hope that the parties will quickly agree a new mechanism to verify the implementation of sanctions mandated by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, now that this responsibility no longer sits with the United Nations Verification Mission. Respect for the Special Jurisdiction’s sentences and sanctions is essential to ensuring public confidence in the Agreement’s transitional justice mechanism and, by extension, the Agreement as a whole. The elections this year represent a key milestone for the country but come with a heightened risk of violence and intimidation. The United Kingdom urges the Government of Colombia to strengthen security guarantees and ensure a safe and inclusive democratic process, as set out in the Final Agreement. Four hundred and eighty-seven former combatants have been killed since the signing of the Agreement. We call on all actors to respect the democratic process and protect the civilian population across the country. Targeted violence against signatories, civil society and other civilians must stop. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Colombia on its path to lasting peace, and we look forward to working with the Colombian Government on this and other issues of international peace and security as a member of the Council over the next two years.

We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, for his briefing and congratulate him on his wise leadership in such a short time at the helm of this important Mission. We are convinced that his vast experience will ensure the success of his mandate. We welcome the presence of the Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, who honours us with his presence today. We are pleased to interpret that his participation in this meeting is proof that Colombia values and affirms its commitment to peace. Therefore, first of all, Panama believes that it is appropriate to highlight the concrete progress made in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, particularly in the areas of rural reform and reintegration, as well as the continued commitment of the parties and the international community to lasting peace in Colombia because, as we have mentioned on other occasions, peace in Colombia is peace for Panama and peace for our entire region. However, it is also necessary to mention that, during the period covered by the report (S/2025/849), the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is operating with a reduced mandate at a particularly sensitive time for the verification of the judgments of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, whose focus on victims and reconciliation is a central element of the peace agreement. We trust that this gap can be swiftly remedied so that the integrity of international support for the peace process is preserved. Panama also expresses its concern about the continued killing of people who decided to lay down their arms and commit to peace, now numbering almost 500, and the persistent attacks against social leaders and human rights defenders. These events not only undermine confidence in the process but also send a worrisome message to those who have committed, through actions, to reconciliation. In this regard, we must highlight the expansion of the Comprehensive Programme for Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders, which has grown from 16 to 23 departments, and we underline the importance of its prompt implementation and integration into public policy instruments at the local level. We also welcome the efforts of the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization, in particular the implementation of its 12-month strategy aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of children and adolescents. Regarding security, faced with the armed strikes, the clashes in various territories and the worsening humanitarian situation, it is essential to underscore the importance of ensuring safe conditions for the electoral process scheduled for 31 May, and we welcome the progress achieved in that regard. We trust that the Colombian people are firmly committed to ensuring that this process moves forward on the path of peace and security, thereby avoiding a repeat of regrettable events such as the assassination of presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. In this regard, Panama highlights the fundamental role of the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics as a key tool for preventing risks and protecting candidates, social leaders and communities. In a context of growing regional uncertainty, working for peace is more urgent than ever. However, Panama reiterates that any dialogue must be conducted exclusively with actors who demonstrate a genuine desire for peace and without undermining, under any circumstances, the population’s security. For Panama, the Final Agreement constitutes a solid road map for the consolidation of peace in Colombia. Its scope transcends the signatory parties, as it also implies an effective presence of the State in the territories that guarantees the protection of the civilian population and the right of communities to live in peace. In that endeavour, an ongoing focus on those who, historically, have been excluded and harmed, in particular children, women and Afrodescendent and Indigenous communities, combined with the sustained commitment of the Colombian State and robust and consistent international verification will remain key to achieving peace in the sister Republic of Colombia.

I thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing and welcome Minister Jaramillo to this meeting. In November, Colombia marked the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, bringing an end to half a century of armed conflict between the Colombian Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo. The Agreement promised a new chapter and a determination to bring social, economic and political progress — a chapter that offered a path to healing the deep wounds of conflict. Significant progress has been made in fulfilling this promise. However, more work remains to be done. Allow me to focus on three points. First, Denmark welcomes the steps taken by the Colombian Government to implement the peace agreement. We particularly commend the efforts on rural reform and the significant progress made in land distribution. We call for accelerated efforts to ensure comprehensive rural reform. This includes addressing challenges regarding the allocation of resources, effective institutional coordination and the mitigation of security risks. Denmark commends the resolve and determination of former combatants who remain committed to the peace agreement. Their reintegration is fundamental, and we call on the Government to expedite progress towards access to land, housing and economic development so as to ensure their sustainable transition into civilian life. Similarly, efforts to ensure accountability and transitional justice are critical in this regard. We reaffirm our support for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, whose work continues to support redress for victims and build sustainable peace. Secondly, tackling the persistent violence across the country must be a priority. Violence continues to affect civilians where armed groups have expanded and where the State’s presence remains limited. We are deeply concerned about reports of continued displacements, confinements and killings of social leaders and former combatants. Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Peoples remain disproportionately affected. In Catatumbo, communities continue to endure the effects of ongoing disputes among armed groups, as we have heard today. Ensuring security guarantees for these vulnerable communities is urgently required. We call on the Government to expand the State’s presence across the country and ensure close coordination among all institutions and entities, including the instruments provided for by the peace agreement. Denmark remains particularly alarmed by the continued recruitment and use of children by armed gangs, which is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The tragic deaths of seven children in Guaviare in November underscore the need for the immediate release of all minors from armed groups. The Government needs to adopt all necessary precautionary measures during military actions to safeguard the protection of children. Thirdly, as Colombians head to the polls in both congressional and presidential elections, we call on the Government to ensure strong security arrangements to safeguard these elections across the country and to support the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. The expansion of electoral participation in conflict-affected areas and the strengthening of security guarantees for political leaders will also be crucial. In conclusion, as the peace agreement enters its tenth year, we commend the determination of the Colombian people in their pursuit of, and commitment to, peace. We call on the Government to take concrete actions to consolidate the recent gains made in implementation and to ensure continuity in the next Administration and beyond.

I thank the briefer for his presentation. We also acknowledge the presence of the new Security Council member, Colombia. Even as President Trump and President Petro engage in productive conversations, we remain deeply concerned about instability, violence and illicit drug cultivation and trafficking. The Petro Administration’s approach to negotiations with varied armed groups risks creating perverse incentives. It may encourage violence to improve negotiating leverage, and it raises serious concerns about impunity for terrorism and other grave crimes. The violence and drug trafficking perpetuated by these armed groups, if left unchecked, can spread. It will jeopardize the safety of Colombians, everyone in the region and, certainly, Americans. We urge the Government of Colombia to prioritize addressing this threat. The United States is alarmed by the rise in the forced recruitment of children by narco-terrorist organizations and urges the Colombian Government to uphold its responsibility for the protection of children and the security of all of its citizens. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/849) documents how a failed security strategy, characterized by a near halt to coca eradication, caused a surge in coca cultivation and cocaine production. This allows illegal armed groups to consolidate their reign of terror across much of the country. In 2024, Colombia reportedly reached a record 261,000 hectares of coca cultivation and 3,001 metric tons of cocaine production. These groups cause an acute humanitarian crisis and perpetuate serious abuses against civilians, including forced displacement, confinement, sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children in combat. The Colombian Government’s policies have not only failed to stem this worsening security environment but have, in fact, facilitated it. Colombia’s experiments to pause combat operations and curb coca eradication, while pursuing talks and ceasefires with multiple armed groups emboldens these groups and improves their negotiating positions. In three years, the number of armed combatants and their accomplices grew by more than 40 per cent, according to international observers. Civilians suffer the consequences. There are bright spots. We are heartened by President Petro’s warning to the Ejército de Liberación Nacional of military action if it is not serious about pursuing peace. History shows that peace deals require credible threats of military force. We urge Colombia to prioritize confronting the violence and terror perpetrated by these groups and to guarantee security and justice for their victims. We condemn those who undermine peace through narco-trafficking and terrorist activity. In December, we designated another one of these groups active in Colombia — the Clan del Golfo — as a foreign terrorist organization, cutting off the group’s access to funding and resources. There must be no impunity for acts of terror or violence by these illegal armed groups. As Colombia approaches national elections later this year, we further underscore that political violence has no place in a democratic society. We are alarmed that illegal armed groups took control of territory and declared armed strikes against the civilian population as recently as 13 December. According to Colombia’s Ombudsman, measures that violate international humanitarian law could threaten the integrity of the upcoming 2026 national electoral process. The assassination of Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe is a reminder that much work remains to be done to achieve a peaceful and secure Colombia. We continue to call on the Colombian authorities to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack on Colombia’s democracy. Although we continue to have concerns, the United States is pleased that the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia has narrowed its focus to prioritize urgent security issues. We also continue to urge the Government of Colombia to prioritize addressing the security threats from terrorists and drug trafficking cartels. The United States supports real peace and justice in Colombia, and our relationships with the Colombian people and their institutions are strong and enduring.

I thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing, and I welcome the presence of the Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Jaramillo, at today’s meeting. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Government and people of Colombia, the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement has registered positive progress, setting an example for world peace. The Colombian peace process has now entered a critical stage. Consolidating existing gains and working towards new ones will require determination, unity, cooperation and persistence on the part of all stakeholders in order to implement the Final Agreement and achieve peace and development on the ground. I would like to share the following observations. First, the peace agreement must be fully implemented. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/849) points out that Colombia’s final peace agreement is a comprehensive accord that should be implemented in its entirety if its promise of peace, justice and reconciliation is to be fully realized. China supports the Colombian Government in strengthening coordination, mobilizing more resources and taking more concrete actions across all aspects of the Agreement, including rural reform, reintegration, security guarantees and transitional justice, with a view to achieving more visible results. Secondly, national development must continue to advance. The Colombian peace process must advance in tandem with peacebuilding and sustainable development. China welcomes the Government’s continued efforts in advancing rural reform and the development of programmes such as rural connectivity and electrification. We also welcome the Colombian Government’s continued support for ex-combatants in access to land, housing, employment and community reintegration, among others. We hope that Colombia will optimize resource allocation, enhance institutional coordination and continuously unleash the development dividend in order to promote peace and eliminate the root causes of conflict. Thirdly, a secure environment must be guaranteed. The deadly clashes that took place recently in Colombia’s central and southern departments demonstrate that the security situation in some parts of the country remains fragile. China supports the Colombian Government in strengthening the State presence in conflict-affected areas and protecting its citizens, including vulnerable groups such as former combatants, ethnic minorities and women and children, so as to create conditions for a smooth and secure general election later this year. China supports the Colombian Government in continuing peace talks with rebel armed groups. We hope that all parties in Colombia will prioritize the future of the country and the well-being of its people, strengthen unity and jointly safeguard the hard-won peace in Colombia. Fourthly, international support must be sustained and scaled up as the Colombian Government and people continue their pursuit of peace and development. The international community should maintain its support and assistance. China appreciates the important role played by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jenča, in supporting the Colombian peace process. China supports the Mission’s continued fulfilment of its mandate and calls on other United Nations entities, as well as international and regional partners, to scale up their programmes on the ground and jointly promote the Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process. In recent years, relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean have entered a new stage, marked by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefit for the people, setting a shining example for South-South cooperation. China stands ready to join hands with Colombia and other countries in the region to promote solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity and advance shared development and revitalization.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council (A3), namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and my own country, Liberia. We welcome the presence of His Excellency the Vice-Minister of Colombia and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing. We commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, together with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, for their continued dedication and professionalism in supporting Colombia’s peace process. We also appreciate his leadership and reported engagement with national authorities, former combatants, civil society and international partners. Additionally, the A3 commends the Government and the people of Colombia for their steadfast commitment to implementing the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, and marking 2026, the 10-year anniversary of its signing. This milestone is a moment not only to reflect on the progress made but also to renew and strengthen efforts to consolidate peace, advance reconciliation and deepen inclusive dialogue and international cooperation. While acknowledging the complex challenges that continue to affect implementation, the A3 remains confident that the final peace agreement provides a solid and comprehensive foundation for lasting peace, justice and inclusive development. We recognize the progress achieved in key areas, including political participation, reintegration, rural reform and the strengthening of institutional frameworks. As Colombia approaches a critical electoral period, ahead of the 2026 congressional and presidential elections, we encourage continued efforts to translate political commitments into tangible and timely results that benefit communities across the country and further consolidate trust in the peace process. The A3 welcomes the ongoing role of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement and we value its contribution to strengthening coordination, dialogue and the joint oversight of implementation. Such mechanisms remain essential to sustaining momentum and addressing remaining gaps in a collaborative manner. We acknowledge the Government’s continued prioritization of comprehensive rural reform as a cornerstone of peacebuilding. Progress in land distribution, land formalization, peasant reserve zones and territorial development initiatives reflects a clear commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting equitable development in historically marginalized regions. We particularly welcome the extension to 2037 of the time frame for the development programmes with a territorial focus, which provides a stronger basis for long-term transformation. At the same time, we encourage continued efforts to enhance institutional coordination, mobilize adequate resources and advance key legislative measures, including those related to the agrarian jurisdiction, to further accelerate implementation and ensure legal certainty for rural communities and land beneficiaries. The A3 welcomes the steady progress made in the reintegration of former combatants, including advances in access to land, housing and productive projects in former territorial areas for training and reintegration. We encourage sustained support for reintegration efforts nationwide, including for former combatants residing outside these areas, to ensure that reintegration is inclusive, sustainable and firmly anchored in local development and reconciliation. The A3 notes with concern the continued security challenges in certain conflict- affected regions. We nevertheless acknowledge the efforts undertaken by the Colombian authorities to strengthen prevention, protection and coordination mechanisms. We encourage the continued use of the security instruments established under the Final Agreement, including the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics, to safeguard civilians, social leaders, former combatants and candidates during the electoral period. We condemn the recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups and express deep concern over the recent incidents affecting children. We welcome the commitments made by some armed groups to end this practice and encourage their full and verifiable implementation, and we do this alongside our hope to see strengthened prevention and protection measures by the State. The A3 takes note of ongoing peace and sociolegal dialogues and welcomes confidence-building measures, including the release of persons held in captivity, commitment to non-interference in elections and the destruction of war materiel. These steps contribute to reducing violence and building trust, and we encourage continued dialogue focused on humanitarian outcomes and the rights of victims. The A3 welcomes progress in advancing the women and peace and security agenda, including the recent legal and policy measures that strengthen the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We encourage continued efforts to ensure that these advances translate into improved security participation and leadership opportunities for women, including women leaders and women former combatants, particularly in conflict-affected areas and during the electoral process. We commend the strong coordination between the United Nations Verification Mission and the United Nations country team, as well as the continued support of international partners. Such cooperation remains vital in advancing rural reform, supporting victims, promoting mine action and delivering durable solutions for internally displaced persons. To conclude, the A3 reaffirms its firm support for the Government and people of Colombia in their pursuit of lasting peace and stability. We commend the work of the United Nations Verification Mission and encourage all stakeholders to sustain their commitment, cooperation and shared responsibility for the full and effective implementation of the final peace agreement. Peace in Colombia stands as a national achievement with regional and global significance. The A3 remains in solidarity with Colombia as it continues on this path towards reconciliation, inclusive development and a peaceful future for all its people.

I thank Mr. Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and extend my felicitations to him for taking over as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Colombia. Pakistan fully supports and commends the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia’s efforts in assisting the Colombian Government in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, including through its critical presence on the ground in different parts of the country, as per the mandate authorized by the Security Council. I also welcome Vice-Minister Mauricio Jaramillo of Colombia to today’s meeting. Forged by and for the Colombians, Pakistan views the 2016 Agreement as Colombia’s sovereign journey to heal its wounds and the nation’s decisive turn from a traumatic past to a peaceful, progressive and prosperous future for all Colombians. Pakistan fully supports Colombia and its people in this endeavour and the full implementation of the 2016 final peace agreement across all its chapters. We acknowledge the challenging domestic environment faced by Colombia in the implementation of the peace plan and its efforts to build peace. We commend all parties to the Agreement for their steadfastness and sustained commitment to these efforts, which are indispensable for lasting stability. The full and comprehensive implementation of the peace plan will not only help to extend State presence in areas in which challenges remain but will also reassure the people facing such challenges. We support Colombia in its continued focus on and progress in rural reforms, reintegration of former combatants in a sustainable manner, creation of opportunities to earn livelihoods and continued efforts to reinforce protection measures despite challenges. As we heard today, security and the associated challenges in certain regions are concerning. Continued violence and targeting of ex-combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders by armed groups are condemnable. We also strongly condemn attacks by armed groups targeting State security forces and urge all armed actors to renounce violence and fully respect Colombia’s national laws. We support the Colombian Government’s efforts to strengthen security, especially as it prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle in the country. To conclude, we strongly encourage all parties to maintain this vital momentum and to continue the peace building process with the full, sustainable and integrated implementation of the peace agreement to 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 those made by the Council and under the auspices of the United Nations, to help Colombia achieve its objective of peace.

We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his comprehensive briefing. We welcome Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, to this meeting. Reflecting on the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/849) and developments in Colombia, I would like to make three points. First, in 2016, Colombia chose the path to peace. Almost 10 years ago, approximately 13,000 former combatants decided to lay down weapons and enter the peace process backed by the international community. We should never forget the complex circumstances surrounding this historical milestone and what it has meant for Colombia and its people. Today, owing to its comprehensive, transformative and inclusive nature, the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace continues to serve as the legitimate framework for building long- lasting peace and progress in Colombia. Throughout the years of implementation, the peace agreement has generated strong legislative backing and a significant normative basis that has enabled the initiation of diverse structural reforms in Colombia, including rural reform, reintegration and the promotion of gender equality. Going forward, effective and sustained implementation remains key. Latvia supports the commitment of the Colombian Government to continue the full implementation of the peace agreement and underscores the importance of ensuring the continuity of the process, regardless of the complexities of the national political landscape. Secondly, while we commend the progress made in the implementation of the Final Agreement, we acknowledge the persistent challenges, including the ongoing violence of armed groups in conflict-affected areas and the alarming surge in the recruitment of children by such groups. According to UNICEF, the recruitment of children by armed groups has increased by 300 per cent during the past five years. This development is deeply alarming. Such abuse of children constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The air strikes of November 2025 that killed seven children who had been forcibly recruited by armed groups in Colombia tragically illustrates both the lethal capacity and technical sophistication of the illegal actors and the scale of coordination required to respond effectively to this challenge. Therefore, we urge the Colombian Government to strengthen the presence of State institutions and public services in the conflict- affected areas and to protect the civilians from armed group violence and the devastating impact of organized crime in these regions. Thirdly, as Colombia approaches parliamentary and presidential elections, we commend the planned participation of international election observers. At the same time, to ensure the safe and inclusive participation of diverse civic stakeholders in political processes and decision-making, we encourage the Colombian Government to provide all the necessary security measures and protection mechanisms for electoral processes and participants, particularly for vulnerable groups in the conflict- related areas — women leaders, human rights defenders, Indigenous people, Afro- Colombian communities and former combatants, as foreseen in the peace agreement. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that Latvia will continue to provide its full support to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia in its endeavours to implement the mandate in accordance with resolution 2798 (2025). We underscore that the Mission’s role remains essential to assist Colombia in building lasting peace and reconciliation for all Colombians.

We thank Miroslav Jenča for his report on the situation in Colombia. We welcome the participation of Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo and his detailed briefing on the state of affairs, the implementation of the final peace agreement and the Government’s plans for progress in all areas. The Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace recently marked its ninth anniversary. Its signatories and, indeed, Colombian society as a whole expected that, by this time, the benchmarks of the key tracks of the Agreement would have been achieved and tangible results delivered, former combatants would be safely reintegrated into civilian life, the farmers and the victims of the conflict would have received the plots of land promised, justice would prevail and those most responsible for crimes would have been prosecuted under the national transitional justice mechanisms. Unfortunately, Colombia’s trajectory towards peacebuilding is not yet complete. We are not calling into question the current Colombian Administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the Agreement. Tangible progress has been accomplished in a number of areas, as evidenced by a comparison of the size of the formalized plots of land distributed under the agrarian reform of President Petro and his predecessor. We also continue to have full confidence in the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace for the transitional period, which is taking a responsible approach to the process of reviewing and deciding genuinely complex cases covering decades of internal armed conflict, thousands of defendants and tens of thousands of victims. We regret that, at the whim of one Council member, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia was stripped of its remit of verifying enforcement of the sentences handed down by the Special Jurisdiction — currently one of the most pressing aspects of the Agreement’s implementation. Moreover, we would like to draw particular attention to what is perhaps the most acute issue in the implementation of the final peace agreement: the situation of its signatories, former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). It is no exaggeration to say that their safety remains appalling: the actual killing of former rebels, who have officially laid down their arms and returned to civilian life continues. Almost 500 have been killed in the nine years since the signing of Agreement, or one every week. And all of this is happening with virtually complete impunity. The conviction rate for such crimes is no higher than 10 per cent. It is clear that until this tragic phenomenon is eradicated, the full reintegration of former combatants will be impossible. Ultimately, facing threats to their lives, stigmatization and unemployment, many former FARC members are simply losing faith in peace agreement and even considering taking up arms again. Such an outcome would cause a collapse of the final peace agreement, and it is important for Bogotá, with the support of the Security Council and the international community, to do its utmost to keep 11,000 former combatants involved in the peacebuilding process; otherwise, the likelihood of armed groups still operating in the country reaching an agreement with the authorities will be close to nought. Meanwhile, we are seeing how groups that were recently engaged in dialogue with the Government, such as the Ejército de Liberación Nacional and the Estado Mayor Central, are now increasingly mentioned in reports of terrorist attacks and armed assaults. Their mounting activity is a cause for grave concern, and the Government’s measures to restore order and extend State control in conflict-affected regions are more necessary than ever. With the election period imminent and the forthcoming change of the Colombian Administration, I would like to make the following point: irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming elections, the implementation of the Final Agreement must remain a constant in Colombia’s State policy. The historic agreements enshrined in the Security Council resolution and the opportunity for national reconciliation must be safeguarded. The United Nations Verification Mission remains available to assist the Colombian Government, and we are confident that, under the leadership of Miroslav Jenča, it will continue to provide impartial support for the long-term priorities of the country and its people.

I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Colombia (S/2025/849), issued in December 2025, and Mr. Miroslav Jenča, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, for his briefing and his and his team’s efforts. I also welcome His Excellency Mr. Mauricio Jaramillo, Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs of Colombia. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on Colombia, which reflects the progress made in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, in particular as concerns comprehensive rural reform, reintegration, security and protection, as a positive step upon which to build. The Kingdom underscores the importance of pursuing efforts in the areas of transitional justice and rural development and of continuing to invest in sustainable development, thereby contributing to security, stability and prosperity in Colombia. We would also like to commend the efforts of the United Nations Verification Mission and its active role in following up on the implementation of the final peace agreement and monitoring progress in rural areas and the development of infrastructure, while coordinating with the parties concerned so as to advance transitional justice with the relevant authorities, with a view to ending the violence and fostering calm and dialogue with a view to successfully holding the elections scheduled for this year. The Kingdom of Bahrain appreciates the role of the sisterly State of Qatar in sponsoring and hosting rounds of mediation between the Colombian Government and the parties concerned. It underlines the importance of concerted efforts by all parties and the international community to implement the terms of the Agreement, including accelerating agrarian reform, the integration of marginalized groups, the protection of civilians and the sustainability of international financial and technical support for the peace process. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the importance of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia continuing its tasks in an objective and balanced manner so as to achieve security, stability and sustainable development. It also expresses its support for the efforts of the Government and people of Colombia towards achieving peace and stability.

At the outset, I thank Special Representative Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and his endeavours since taking the helm. I also wish to welcome His Excellency Vice-Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir. His presence is an opportunity to convey to him, and to Colombia, our wishes and our friendly support. As Colombia enters an election period, we must, more than ever, unite our efforts to overcome the many challenges that remain in order to fully and sustainably realize the return to peace, justice and reconciliation. The Colombian people have a right to this aspiration, having demonstrated in 2016 that it was possible to end years of conflict through dialogue and negotiation. Colombia’s entry into the Security Council this month gives us an opportunity to build upon this unique experience in conflict resolution. The exemplary nature of the Colombian case has to do with a combination of strong commitment on the part of the stakeholders and the reliable support of the Council. In this regard, France reiterates its full support for the Special Representative and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. Changes were made to its mandate last October; streamlining measures were taken. We assure him of our confidence in his ability to carry out his mission effectively. In order to make these stabilizing and peacebuilding efforts a long-term reality, Colombia has a unique mechanism: the 2016 peace agreement. The comprehensive implementation of the Agreement is the best way to tackle the structural causes of the persistent imbalances. I wish to emphasize the following points in particular. First of all, rural reform is a precondition for narrowing the inequalities underlying the mindset of violence in the country. For this reason, France will continue to provide active support in this area. Secondly, when it comes to reintegration and security guarantees for ex- combatants, progress is indispensable to avoid any attempts at rearmament and to prompt other armed groups to engage in the path of demobilization. Thirdly and finally, transitional justice remains a pillar for national reconciliation. Its integrity needs to be preserved through, in particular, the implementation of the sentences handed down. Two conditions must be met to provide new momentum for the implementation of the peace agreement: the extension of State authority over all of the territory and the reduction of violence in the country. The two conditions — State authority and violence reduction — are inextricably linked. The assistance and presence of all the institutional forces of the Colombian State, including in the most remote areas, are necessary to dismantle armed groups and organized crime networks and in order to afford protection, especially to Indigenous communities, who are disproportionately affected by this violence. France, in solidarity with Colombia on its path towards reconstruction, applauds the courage of the Colombian security forces who combat violence fuelled by drug trafficking and illegal gold mining and who pay with their lives. As hostile forces intensify their destructive offensives, we must ensure that the Council continues to monitor the situation on the ground with vigilance and determination, in order to demonstrate to the Colombian people the international community’s commitment to stand by their side on the eve of elections that are critical for peace.

I would like to thank Special Representative Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and wish him, once more, all the best in the new role that he officially assumed in October. (spoke in Spanish) I also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Vice-Minister for Multilateral Affairs. (spoke in English) Greece reiterates its unwavering support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and appreciates the organizational adjustments and streamlining efforts that ensure the Mission’s continued operational effectiveness. As we welcome the renewal of its mandate, we stress the importance of the Mission’s sustained, long-term verification of the provisions of the Final Agreement related to security guarantees, the reintegration of ex-combatants and rural reform. At the same time, we encourage the Colombian authorities to continue focusing on the full implementation of the Agreement, including the ethnic chapter and transitional justice, as they enter the final period of their Administration. Greece fully supports Colombia’s final peace agreement as a comprehensive framework for national reconciliation and commends the progress achieved, primarily in land distribution and the reintegration of ex-combatants. In view of the aforementioned, I would like to make the following three points. First, we appreciate the achievements with regard to access to land and to the promotion of development projects in conflict-affected areas. At the same time, we encourage the Colombian authorities to expedite land adjudication and restitution. We believe that comprehensive rural reform should go hand in hand with the reintegration of ex-combatants in order to provide them with sustainable alternatives to illicit economic activities. Furthermore, improving security conditions on the ground, by enhancing the State’s presence and providing security guarantees, remains critical to ensuring ex-combatants’ transition to civilian life and laying the foundations for local development and community reconciliation. Secondly, we remain concerned by the continuing violence in regions in which the State’s presence is limited, and we denounce the killings and human rights violations and abuses that occurred during the reporting period, particularly the forced recruitment of children by armed groups and the violence targeting women leaders and ex-combatants. We are confident that the recent decree elevating the status of Colombia’s national action plan on women and peace and security to that of a binding instrument will significantly bolster peacebuilding efforts. Thirdly, as Colombia enters a critical electoral period, we reiterate our call for free, fair and safe elections, prioritizing the security of all candidates and facilitating the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in the electoral process. In this regard, we appreciate the agreements reached with various armed groups to refrain from violence or interference in the upcoming elections. In conclusion, Greece reiterates its commitment to a Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process. Anchored in the final peace agreement, this remains the only viable way to address the structural causes of the conflict and to redress historic injustices and inequalities.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.