S/PV.10141 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, and Ms. Olga Lucía Quintero Sierra, General Coordinator of Catatumbo Peasant Association. 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/2026/229, 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 brief the Security Council once again on the peace process in Colombia. This is an important moment in the political life of the country, following the recent holding of congressional elections and with the presidential elections now only a month away. (spoke in Spanish) It is an honour to participate alongside Her Excellency Rosa Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. I would like to thank the Government of Colombia for its ongoing cooperation with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and for the efforts recognized in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2026/229) to advance peacebuilding in the country. It is also a pleasure to welcome Olga Quintero, a renowned peasant leader and advocate for peace in the Catatumbo region — an area that is emblematic of the complex conflict in Colombia and crucial to peacebuilding. She also exemplifies the important role that women continue to play in building peace in Colombia. I am pleased that the Security Council is today resuming the good practice of including the voices of civil society in its meetings on Colombia. (spoke in English) The holding of largely peaceful and more inclusive elections has been a feature of Colombia’s positive evolution under the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. It is essential for the country to stay on that trajectory. Allow me to reiterate in that regard the Secretary-General’s congratulations on the peaceful participation of the Colombian people in the legislative elections held in March. Despite concerns during the campaign period over incidents of violence and the presence of illegal armed groups in conflict-affected regions, adequate measures were taken and election day was not adversely affected by security incidents — a demonstration of Colombia’s strong institutions. I commend the role played by the security forces in protecting the vote, the vigilance exercised by national and international observers and the valuable role also played by the Office of the Ombudsperson in monitoring conditions and promoting adherence to the commitment to a free and peaceful electoral process. With the presidential campaign now in full swing ahead of the elections on 31 May, the Verification Mission is adding its voice to the call for the authorities and all concerned to ensure a safe and peaceful environment, free of violence and stigmatization. I reiterate my condemnation of the reported threats against presidential candidates, and I call again on State authorities to guarantee the safety of all participants in the electoral process. The Mission also stands ready to contribute once again, as it did during the congressional elections, to the exercises carried out by national authorities, some of them using mechanisms of the peace agreement, to analyse security risks and coordinate preventive actions. Ensuring the security of candidates and voters should continue to be the utmost priority. The latest report of the Secretary-General traces implementation across the three pillars of the mandate, as established in October 2025 by the Security Council in resolution 2798 (2025): the reintegration of former combatants, security guarantees and comprehensive rural reform. Those are the three elements at the core of the Final Agreement, whose implementation contributes to peace and security in the country. We have fully restructured the Mission to reflect the refocused mandate and streamlined it further in line with the UN80 reductions. That has resulted in a substantially leaner configuration, while still enabling the Mission to maintain a suitable regional field presence, which is essential for effective verification, as well as engagement with local communities, authorities and peace signatories. Receiving, now, the resources approved in the budget is essential to delivering on the mandate across Colombia. The realities on the ground vary from region to region, and ongoing conflict dynamics are highly complex. Although security has deteriorated in some parts of the country, previously neglected areas have also been afforded new opportunities, made possible by the peace accord. In visits to Mission offices across that diverse landscape, what I see is close collaboration with Colombian stakeholders and counterparts, who strongly value its unique presence in the field. The efforts to expand access to land as part of the comprehensive rural reform are bringing hope via the arrival of long-awaited dividends of peace to marginalized regions and communities who suffered grievously during the armed conflict. Behind the statistics we report on hectares delivered towards the numerical goals established in the peace agreement are the people who are the beneficiaries on the ground, such as the members of a peasant community I visited in February in Cesar Department in northern Colombia. This was a region engulfed in violence during the conflict, marked by massacres and widespread displacement of people from their land. Many members of this community I visited were direct victims, and so it was inspiring to see them recently receive a sizeable plot of land as part of the rural reform. Despite some practical challenges and security-related concerns, the community is setting down roots on this land, having established a school, begun building their own houses and having launched fish farming, corn and cassava-growing projects. Women are prominent leaders of this community. While appreciative of the land, they still need further attention from the State to turn this opportunity into a sustainable future. This is one of 30 select cases of land adjudication in conflict-affected regions that the Mission is prioritizing in its verification. Overall, progress has been made in recent years in providing access to land to numerous beneficiaries. However, continued efforts will be required to fulfil the objectives laid out in the rural reform. It is not only a matter of distributing land, but also ensuring its productivity, guaranteeing the safety of beneficiaries and clarifying the legal ownership status of the plots. I wish to recognize the important step taken in this direction with the enactment in March of a statutory law on the functioning of the agrarian jurisdiction. I am hopeful that this important entity, which is to address land-related disputes, will soon become fully operational through additional legislation that is pending adoption in Congress. The rural reform also encompasses investments in local and regional development projects in conflict-affected areas, known as the regions of the development programmes with a territorial focus — plans that were recently extended through 2037 by Congress — as well as the implementation of sectoral plans to greatly expand State services over time such as rural roads, education, health, irrigation and electricity. All told, as noted by the Secretary-General in his report, the rural reform is fundamental for consolidating lasting peace and security in Colombia. It aims to extend State presence and address inequalities that have fuelled conflict in the country for decades. By unlocking viable economic opportunities, it can also provide sustainable alternatives to illicit economies, thereby helping to break the cycle of violence. The laying down of arms by Latin America’s oldest and largest guerilla group was not only a feat in and of itself. So is the fact that nearly 10 years later, more than 11,000 men and women from the former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo remain actively engaged in their reintegration into society. This process has been replete with challenges, however, given the fragile socioeconomic infrastructure and security conditions in rural areas where many former combatants have settled. As reported by the Secretary-General, the provision of land and housing is progressing, though more still needs to be done to complete those tasks to strengthen security guarantees and to ensure the sustainability of reintegration. The product of that hard work carried out by former combatants can be drastically affected when security conditions deteriorate. I hope that the State entities, in acknowledgment of the perseverance of former combatants, will increase all efforts to ensure conditions that would allow them to look to the future with confidence. The potential reintegration of the former guerillas is also an essential part of the peace process, allowing for their peaceful participation in the democratic political life of the country. Following the results of the recent congressional elections, I would like to commend the Comunes party for the constructive role its representatives played as legislators during the transitional period in which it held guaranteed seats in Congress under the peace agreement. Although that provision has now expired, the former combatants, as one of the two signatory parties of the peace accord, maintain all associated responsibilities and functions. I strongly welcome the clear commitment expressed by its leaders to continue abiding by the peace agreement and working for its full implementation, and I look forward to their active role going forward. Colombia remains today more peaceful than during the peak years of the conflict. However, as we have reported extensively, a number of rural areas are still strongly impacted by the presence of illegal armed groups. Their ongoing clashes over territorial control and illicit economies are bringing violence and hardship to entire communities. We condemn, among other things, the increased recruitment and use of children. The Catatumbo region is a case in point of what is happening in such areas. Its population is caught in the middle of disputes by armed groups in one of the regions with the highest concentration of coca in the country. During a visit there in January, in the aftermath of renewed clashes in the area, I visited a hamlet where homes had been heavily damaged in drone attacks between rival groups. Explosive hazards had been found near schools. Residents were fearful of land mines and raised concerns about the slow arrival of humanitarian assistance. As long as violence, territorial disputes or governance vacuums persist in any part of the country, they risk undermining national stability and eroding the gains made elsewhere. Through its presence and verification activities in conflict affected regions such as Catatumbo, the Mission is contributing to the detection of risks to communities and to the calls for timely and well-articulated responses by authorities to these risks. The Mission is also helping to give visibility to humanitarian and other needs that should be addressed under the peace agreement. The Mission is a regular participant in security guarantee mechanisms of and related to the peace agreement that are important for addressing the security needs of vulnerable groups in particular, including former combatants, women and those involved in the exercise of politics. When the Council meets next on Colombia in July, elections will have concluded and the new Government will be preparing to begin its term in August. Whoever assumes the presidency will face a formidable challenge in consolidating peace and security in the regions still affected by conflict. As the Secretary-General reminds us in his latest report, the peace agreement provides a comprehensive road map for addressing both the root causes and consequences of the conflict, for bringing inclusive development to long-neglected regions where violence still is present and impacting ethnic communities disproportionately, and for ensuring there is justice and redress for the victims. Significant progress has been made over the years since the agreement was signed, yet much remains to be done, and much can be achieved through focused efforts in the coming years. The territories where the agreement has not been sufficiently implemented are precisely where the most acute problems persist today. Stabilizing the regions still affected by conflict requires comprehensive implementation, and, as the Secretary- General has also stated in his report, these strategies and effective security actions can and should be carried out in complementarity with one another in order to produce the desired results. The Security Council has been an essential partner to Colombia in the search for lasting peace and security. The Verification Mission stands ready to continue to assist the Colombians along this path. Despite the difficulties, it remains a path well worth following.

I thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ms. Quintero Sierra.

I extend my respectful greetings to all, and I thank the Security Council for the opportunity to address those present at this important session. I warmly welcome Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and, through him, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also extend my greetings to Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, and to all others present. The Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, signed in 2016, is the most important road map that Colombia has to overcome decades of violence. For those of us living in rural Colombia, the Agreement represents a real opportunity for transformation. The comprehensive implementation of all its components is not optional; it is urgent and necessary. Each point of the Agreement is interconnected: comprehensive rural reform, political participation, the solution to the drug problem, security guarantees and the system of truth, justice, reparation and nonrepetition. Moving forward in a partial or fragmented manner weakens its essence. Only its complete implementation will allow us to address the structural causes of the conflict and prevent violence from continuing in our territories. Each failure to comply, each delay, each attempt to disregard what was agreed upon represents a blow to the hopes of millions of Colombian men and women and of the entire world, which views the Agreement as a benchmark for overcoming the violence that proliferates across the globe today. However, from the territories, we continue to resist and persist because we refuse to give up on peace. In the Catatumbo region of north-eastern Colombia, we have recently experienced a new escalation of violence that has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis. We have conducted several verification missions in the region to support and listen to the communities that are resisting out of fear. Despite this adverse context, the region also shows signs of hope. With political will, significant progress has been made, such as the Catatumbo pact, the allocation of social investment to close historical gaps, the construction of the University of Catatumbo, the allocation of land to rural women, the titling of land for Indigenous communities and the resettlement of peace signatories in the region in order to safeguard their lives. In particular, I would like to highlight that, under the special land allocation programme for rural women, 54 women from Catatumbo have received 724 hectares of land. This achievement represents not only access to land but also the possibility of rebuilding our lives and moving towards the consolidation of initiatives, such as a village of rural women for peace. From a structural perspective, it is essential to promote the democratization of access to land as a central pillar of peace. In this regard, we call for continued progress in the adjudication, formalization and restitution of land for landless peasants, victims, ethnic communities and rural women, as well as in boosting peasant economies through territorial rights, such as peasant reserve zones. However, these advances must be accompanied by a firm commitment to territorial peace. Territorial peace is not an abstract concept; it is the real presence of the State in the territories; it is access to rights; it is the possibility of living without fear; it is the building of trust between communities and institutions. Colombia can serve as a model for peacebuilding, with the active and meaningful participation of communities, and, in particular, of us — the victims and women. That is why today we wish to emphasize the need to insist on territorial peace as a pathway to restoring calm to the country. Colombia cannot continue to be a place where hatred, stigmatization and political differences continue to fuel violence. The country deserves to move towards a coexistence based on respect, diversity, dialogue and reconciliation. Today, we firmly and respectfully call for the Verification Mission to continue implementing the peace agreement in a comprehensive manner. Colombia’s new Congress must regulate agrarian and rural jurisdiction as a key instrument for addressing land conflicts and ensuring justice in the Colombian countryside. The incoming Government of Colombia must commit to the comprehensive implementation of the Final Agreement as a national priority and the fulfilment of the international commitments that the Council upholds. Finally, we would like to express our appreciation to the Security Council and acknowledge the fundamental role the United Nations plays in preventing and transforming cross-border conflicts. Its work has been key to promoting peaceful and sustainable solutions in complex contexts. The case of Colombia is a clear example that even in scenarios marked by deep differences, dialogue is the most effective path to building peace. The tensions currently unfolding in various regions of the world remind us of how fragile coexistence can be, but they also call on us to take responsibility for preventing it from breaking down. Peace is not a final destination; it is a path we walk day by day.

I thank Ms. Quintero Sierra for her briefing. I now give the floor those Council members who would like to make statements. I call on Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

I address the Council today at a decisive moment for Colombia, as the current presidential term draws to a close and we mark the tenth anniversary of the historic signing of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. This moment invites us not only to take stock of implementation but also to reflect on the sustainability of the process as a State policy and its irreversible nature. I would like to express the gratitude of the Government of Colombia to the Security Council, Mr. Miroslav Jenča and his team at the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and the international community for their constant support. I also thank the Special Representative for presenting the Verification Mission’s latest quarterly report (S/2026/229). Allow me to begin by highlighting the fundamental role of the Verification Mission. Its work has provided independent monitoring and indispensable technical and territorial support in those places where the sustainability of peace is being determined in practice. The Government of Colombia recognizes the difficulties arising from the liquidity crisis within the United Nations system but also stresses that these must not come at the expense of the support that translates into hope for peace in Colombia. We urge the Secretary-General to avoid making further cuts to the Verification Mission’s current mandate. That said, the most recent report on the Verification Mission highlights significant progress that should be acknowledged, but it also reveals persistent challenges, of which we must not lose sight. Security concerns persist in some regions, and the pace of transformation across territories remains uneven. Added to this is a challenge that is key to the future of the process: strengthening the institutional architecture of the Agreement, so that its sustainability does not depend on short-term efforts or a single Government but on the State’s solid and permanent capacities. However, it is also necessary to recognize with clarity that Colombia has not halted its implementation. On the contrary, it has maintained a sustained commitment, in compliance with our State responsibility. Today we have coordination mechanisms that have enabled the implementation to continue, such as the National Agrarian Reform System; the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics; the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement; and the territorial peace governance mechanisms. In the area of security, one of the most significant advances has been the activation of 11 Tripartite Protection and Security Mechanisms, which bring together the Government, the signatories to the Agreement, the communities and the Verification Mission. This is a concrete step towards restoring the original spirit of the Agreement: jointly establishing safeguards. These Mechanisms are strengthening the capacity to respond to threats to the security of the signatories in the territories most affected by violence and consolidating the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics. In addition, coordination with the Attorney General’s Office has been strengthened to tackle critical issues such as the recruitment of children and illicit economies. We know that as long as these economies persist, peace will remain fragile. That is why the approach of dismantling criminal organizations is now a State priority. We are moving towards more operational implementation frameworks, including a hybrid model of international verification for sanctions specific to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the strengthening of the ethnic chapter. The Special Forum on Gender has also been reinforced, ensuring the sustainability of the gender approach in implementation. In the comprehensive rural reform, progress has been significant. In 2026, almost 6,887 hectares have been allocated to the Land Fund, and since 2022, more than 305,000 hectares have been redistributed to peasants and ethnic communities. In addition, more than 2 million hectares have been formalized, reaching close to 30 per cent of the Agreement’s target. These advances reflect concrete transformations in the territories. In regions such as Catatumbo, nearly 70 per cent of the land handed over has benefited women, demonstrating a significant impact in terms of equity. The period covered by this report coincides with an important democratic milestone: the congressional elections, which were conducted generally peacefully and saw a turnout of almost 50 per cent, higher than that recorded in 2022. These results undoubtedly reflect concrete progress in democratic expansion and political inclusion, which would hardly have been possible without the 2016 Agreement. We also welcome the fact that, following the election results, the Comunes party has reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the 2016 Agreement, which is a positive sign for the consolidation of the peace process. Peace cannot be assessed solely on scattered indicators; it must be measured in terms of real, sustained and verifiable transformations in the territories. We are aware of, and we acknowledge this with a self-critical and responsible perspective, enduring significant security challenges for the signatories of the Agreement, social leaders and communities, as well as the persistence of illicit economies in various territories. Added to this is the challenge of ensuring the sustainability of reintegration processes and productive projects in the long term, so that they do not depend solely on the initial momentum but on stable conditions that allow them to take root. In this context, the role of the international community remains indispensable. Colombia would not have reached this point without that support, and it will not be able to consolidate peace without that same backing in this phase. Peace is not built in isolation or from isolated positions; it is built through sustained agreements, shared responsibility and international commitment. Every delay in implementation has a direct impact on the territories and on the victims, and every real step forward is a concrete form of reparation. Colombia today reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreement as a State policy and reaffirms its conviction that peace in Colombia is peace for the region and that peace in the region is an essential contribution to world peace.

Let me begin by welcoming Minister for Foreign Affairs Villavicencio to the Security Council for today’s meeting. I thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing, and I also thank Ms. Quintero Sierra for sharing her experiences. The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong support for the full implementation of Colombia’s 2016 peace agreement. We congratulate Colombia’s election authorities, security forces, political actors and, above all, the Colombian people on holding free, fair and peaceful congressional elections on 8 March. We look forward to similarly successful presidential elections. We welcome the Ombudsman’s Office’s electoral pact on free and peaceful elections and urge all actors to uphold its principles. As the Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/229) makes clear, security challenges and violence remain widespread. Killings, threats against civilians and social leaders, child recruitment and oppression by armed actors persist. An unacceptable 491 peace signatories have been killed, including four in this period. As we heard today, people in Catatumbo and other conflict-affected areas across Colombia require urgent protection. We call for greater efforts to protect women and girls and Indigenous and Afro- Colombian communities, who are disproportionately affected by violence. We welcome the Government’s efforts to make progress in rural reform. We are encouraged that women, including Ms. Quintero Sierra, have become beneficiaries of land, in this case an all-women farm in Catatumbo. Meeting immediate protection needs must go hand in hand with creating pathways for sustainable development. Rural reform is fundamental to tackling the inequalities that drive conflict. An effective State presence, combined with development opportunities, constrains the operating space for armed groups and illicit economies. We also welcome the reactivation of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement and the positive steps taken to implement a new international verification mechanism for sentences and the ethnic chapter. Looking ahead to Colombia’s democratic transition and beyond, the peace agreement requires sustained investment, with strong leadership from the Government and adequate funding as part of a comprehensive approach to delivering peace, security and stability in Colombia. The United Kingdom is committed to supporting Colombia on that path, working together with international partners and the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia as it carries out its vital work.

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. At the outset, we welcome Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and thank her for honouring us with her presence and enriching our discussion with her insights. Similarly, we thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his insightful briefing and commend him, together with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, for their continued dedication to supporting Colombia’s peace process. We also appreciate the contribution of Ms. Olga Lucía Quintero Sierra, General Coordinator of the Catatumbo Peasant Association, to today’s meeting. We have taken note of the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2026/229) on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. It reminds us that Colombia stands at a decisive moment, working to consolidate peace, advance reconciliation and safeguard democratic institutions and human rights. We remain guided by our shared commitments as African Member States to peace, sovereignty, multilateralism and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In this regard, allow me to make four points. First, on the political process, the A3 commends the Government and the people of Colombia for their sustained commitment to the implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. As Colombia marks the tenth anniversary of the Agreement this year, this milestone represents a renewed opportunity to refresh efforts towards the full, comprehensive and accelerated implementation of all its provisions. Furthermore, we welcome the peaceful conduct of the congressional elections, the increased participation of citizens and the gains made in women’s representation. Special electoral districts for historically marginalized communities are a positive step towards addressing structural inequality. As the presidential elections approach, we urge all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent process, as well as to guarantee women’s full, equal and safe participation, free from violence and intimidation. Secondly, on the security front, while we acknowledge progress, the deterioration of security in several regions remains a serious concern. Armed groups continue to adapt, draw on illicit economies and challenge State authority. We are also concerned by the use of new technologies, including drones, which increase risks to civilians and democratic processes. Full implementation of the security provisions of the peace agreement is, therefore, essential, as also is the protection of civilians, former combatants and civil society actors, especially as Colombia approaches presidential elections. Thirdly, on the humanitarian situation, the humanitarian impact of violence continues to be severe, particularly for Afro-Colombian communities living in remote and historically marginalized areas. The displacement of more than 8,400 people and the confinement of more than 23,000 during the reporting period reflect both immediate security challenges and long-standing structural exclusion. Addressing these realities requires inclusive protection-centred responses that recognize historical injustices and ensure equitable access to assistance and recovery. In this regard, we welcome the Government’s adoption of a 10-year policy for victims of forced displacement. Fourthly, on human rights, the A3 remains deeply concerned about the human cost of violence, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict and illicit economies. Behind the numbers are former combatants targeted for choosing peace, social leaders silenced, women subjected to abuse and ethnic communities forcibly displaced. We are especially alarmed by the continued recruitment of children by armed groups and gender-based violence. These violations are unacceptable. They demand accountability and a victim-centred approach to peacebuilding. From Africa’s own experience, we know that sustainable peace requires accountability, nationally-owned protection mechanisms and meaningful community participation. We therefore reaffirm our support for the full implementation of the human rights provisions of the peace agreement, with the continued accompaniment of the United Nations, in full respect of Colombia’s sovereignty. Colombia’s journey towards sustainable peace is challenging, but it is achievable. Africa’s own experience shows that lasting peace rests on rural reform, reintegration, human rights protection and the rule of law. The A3 reiterates its strong support for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and its continued solidarity with the Colombian people.

I thank Special Representative Jenča for his briefing, and I welcome Her Excellency Minister for Foreign Affairs Villavicencio to today’s meeting. I also listened carefully to the statement delivered by the representative of civil society. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Over the past decade, the Government and the people of Colombia have made tremendous efforts on the path towards lasting peace and development, achieving significant progress and setting a model for resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. China highly commends this and supports Colombia’s peace process in building on past achievements and delivering more tangible results. I will make three points. First, the peace agreement should be continuously implemented. The peace agreement is essential for Colombia’s long-term stability and regional peace and security. Colombia is currently at a critical juncture, with both opportunities and challenges in implementing the Agreement. China welcomes the smooth conduct of Colombia’s congressional elections and supports the orderly preparations for the presidential election. After the elections, all parties concerned should uphold the firm commitment to the Colombian people, strengthen unity and cooperation, consolidate the hard-won peace gains, actively address risk and challenges in implementing the Agreement and inject new momentum into the peace process. Secondly, the security environment should be effectively ensured. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/229), although the Colombian Government has taken some security measures, violence and conflicts in certain regions and illegal armed groups continue to pose serious threats to former combatants, social and political leaders and vulnerable groups, hindering the implementation of the peace agreement. China supports the Colombian Government in strengthening election security, while accelerating the implementation of the security provisions of the agreement, increasing State military presence in remote areas, combating illegal armed groups and organized crime and effectively protecting civilians and former combatants. China also hopes that progress can be made in peace talks between the Colombian Government and anti- Government armed groups, so as to create more favourable conditions for a peaceful environment. Thirdly, national development should benefit the people. China commends the Colombian Government for prioritizing comprehensive rural reform in implementing the peace agreement and for supporting vulnerable groups in such areas as land distribution, housing, employment and rural infrastructure development. It is hoped that the Colombian Government will strengthen coordination, increase resource input, create conditions for the reintegration of former combatants into society, ensure that these measures benefit the broader population and eliminate the root causes of violence and conflicts at an early date. In addition, international support should be more sustainable. The Colombian Government and people need strong support from the United Nations and the international community in their pursuit of peace. China commends the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia for its extensive engagement with all parties in Colombia and its important role in advancing the peace process. China supports the Mission and the Special Representative in continuing to effectively carry out their mandates and provide stronger support for the implementation of the peace agreement. China stands ready to work with the international community to provide more assistance for a peace process that is Colombian-led and Colombian-owned. Last month, Colombia successfully hosted the tenth Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, to which President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message. China will always be a good friend and good partner to Latin American and Caribbean countries. We support these countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests. The two sides will work together to advance the five programmes of solidarity, development, civilization, peace and peopleto-people connectivity, so as to deliver more benefits to the people on both sides and make great contributions to regional peace and development.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Miroslav Jenča, and Ms. Olga Quintero Sierra for their briefings. I welcome the presence among us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy. Colombia, which has begun its electoral process, finds itself at a political turning point. The Colombian people elected their representatives to Congress in March. The Government’s efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of those elections are to be commended and attest to the robust nature of Colombia’s institutions. As the presidential election on 31 May approaches, it is important to remain vigilant and to ensure the safety of the candidates. Despite the assassination of a candidate last summer, the pre-electoral and electoral processes have been relatively peaceful. However, violent incidents have been reported, and certain areas remain under the influence of armed groups. These groups, which profit from drug trafficking and illegal gold mining, continue to commit abuses against the civilian population. Children, who continue to be recruited, are the main victims. In the face of these threats, the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace remains the most effective framework for working towards lasting stability in Colombia. The peace agreement is the only comprehensive political framework capable of addressing the structural causes of the instability that continues to threaten the country. Comprehensive rural reform helps to alleviate territorial inequalities and offer alternatives to illicit drug production. The reintegration of former combatants and security guarantees aim to prevent a resurgence of violence. Transitional justice strives to promote national reconciliation while also combating impunity. This is why the full implementation of this Agreement is in Colombia’s interest, to ensure the country’s long-term security and stability. France reiterates its call to do everything possible to accelerate its implementation, in particular through enhanced inter-institutional coordination and a bolstered State presence throughout the country. Moreover, it is the Council’s responsibility to support Colombia on this path. The United Nations Verification Mission is a tangible expression of the Council’s commitment to supporting the peace process in Colombia. France reiterates its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Mission in their efforts to assist Colombia in achieving lasting peace. The Mission’s presence throughout Colombian territory and expertise make it a key partner in guiding peace efforts and preventing any resurgence of conflict. France will continue to stand alongside the Colombian people, as it has been doing, for instance, by assuming the role of a guarantor country under chapter 1 of the 2016 peace agreement. Also, it will continue to work to ensure that the Security Council remains fully engaged, matching the level of courage and resilience demonstrated by the Colombian people.

Let me start by extending a warm welcome to Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, at this meeting. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing and Ms. Olga Quintero Sierra for sharing her insights. As Colombians exercise their democratic rights at the polls this year, it is particularly important to emphasize the relevance of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in leading the country towards an inclusive democratic environment and in tackling the structural causes of the conflict. As reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2026/229), despite persistent and structural governance challenges, the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement continues to progress. Going forward, the focus must remain on effective and well-coordinated implementation by the Colombian authorities and all stakeholders, including comprehensive rural reform, reintegration and extended State presence. I will make three points. First, Colombia’s recent, largely peaceful congressional elections reflect the combined impact of the 2016 peace agreement, robust electoral institutions and sustained international engagement. They demonstrate a solid transition from conflictdriven politics to a rule of law-based democratic system in Colombia. Although violence by armed groups in the conflict-affected regions continues to raise serious concerns, we commend Colombian institutions for conducting congressional elections in an orderly manner. As Colombia approaches presidential elections in May, we underscore the importance of ensuring the security of all candidates and voters. We note with satisfaction that female representation in the new composition of the Congress reached almost 30 per cent. Colombian women are powerful agents of transformation whose leadership has been instrumental in both drafting the peace agreement, which fully integrates a gender perspective, and advancing its implementation. Yet, their contributions are too often overshadowed by narratives that solely focus on their suffering and victimhood. It is essential that women in Colombia continue to be fully recognized as indispensable peacebuilders, as affirmed by Colombia’s national action plan on women and peace and security. We also welcome the election of 16 members in the House of Representatives under the provisions of the peace agreement. The participation of victims, women, ethnic groups and farmers from conflict-affected regions in Colombia’s political processes is key to inclusive democracy and political stability and contributes effectively to the implementation of the peace agreement. Secondly, peace in Colombia requires the construction of a more just and present State. We emphasize the importance of pursuing the full implementation of the peace agreement, regardless of the election outcomes in Colombia. Given its comprehensive approach to security, justice and inclusion, the Final Peace Agreement remains the most viable mechanism for achieving durable peace in Colombia. It sets a clear path forward and continues to serve as a road map for Colombia to carry out a comprehensive security strategy and address the structural causes of the conflict. In order to avoid setbacks in strengthening the rule of law, the gains consolidated over the past 10 years should be capitalized and built upon. That is especially relevant when it comes to the work carried out by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, a cornerstone for transitional justice and reconciliation efforts in Colombia. Thirdly, according to UNICEF, in Colombia, a child is recruited into armed groups approximately every 20 hours, and tens of thousands more are at serious risk of recruitment, especially children of Indigenous and African descent. We encourage the Colombian Government to strengthen State presence in the conflict-affected regions, protect schools and education centres, and invest more in developing remote and vulnerable areas. This will provide opportunities for children to grow and youth employment, helping to counter the persistent recruitment attempts by armed groups, including through social media, which has become a growing concern. Finally, Latvia remains a trusted partner and in solidarity with the Colombian people. We reiterate our strong support for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and commend its solid and constructive territorial presence throughout the country. Such presence is crucial for maintaining strong credibility and trust in the Mission from diverse stakeholders and, most importantly, Colombian society. The Mission should continue to focus on its work in the conflict-affected regions to ensure successful fulfilment of its mandated tasks for the benefit of the Colombian people.

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing; Pakistan acknowledges the positive contributions made by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also thank Ms. Olga Lucía Quintero Sierra for her valuable remarks. We welcome Her Excellency the Foreign Minister of Colombia to today’s meeting, whose presence is a testament to Colombia’s sustained commitment to peace. Pakistan remains committed to supporting Colombia and its people in fully implementing the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace — a Colombian-led and -owned road map for ensuring lasting peace, stability and prosperity for all of its peoples. We deeply appreciate and laud Colombia’s efforts towards the Agreement’s implementation and reiterate our strong solidarity with the Colombian people. Overcoming the challenges associated with a protracted conflict remains an arduous task. We acknowledge the difficult domestic environment in which Colombia continues to implement the 2016 Agreement. We commend all parties for their steadfastness and resilience in the implementation of the Agreement. We take note of the recent holding of congressional elections in the country and commend all political actors for endorsing the pact for a free and peaceful electoral process. We are confident that the presidential elections next month will be held in an orderly and peaceful manner. We support Colombia’s continued progress in implementing the peace agreement across all facets and alleviating the suffering of all those affected by the long-drawn conflict. We take particular note of the Government’s efforts in providing opportunities for ex-combatants to earn a livelihood, while reinforcing the protection measures in place despite the challenging and complex security situation. Targeted violence against ex-combatants and social and political leaders by armed groups is reprehensible. We strongly condemn attacks by armed groups targeting the State security forces and urge all armed actors to renounce violence, respecting fully Colombia’s national laws. Full and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable way to extend State presence in areas where challenges persist and to reassure the Colombian people. We encourage all parties to maintain this vital momentum, to continue the peacebuilding process and to transform the promises of peace and hope for a better future into a tangible reality for all Colombians. Towards that end, Pakistan will continue to support all efforts, including those made by the Council, and the wider United Nations membership to accompany Colombia towards lasting peace and stability.

We thank Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, for his detailed briefing and commend his important work and leadership at the helm of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. We also greet Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and extend a most cordial welcome to her. The continuous high-level representation of the sisterly Republic of Colombia at these meetings underscores its steadfast commitment to the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, as well as to peace itself. Furthermore, we welcome Ms. Olga Lucía Quintero Sierra, General Coordinator of the Catatumbo Peasant Association. In a period marked by electoral contests, it is timely to begin this statement by highlighting the largely peaceful conduct of the municipal and legislative elections held in Colombia on 8 March. We also highlight, as a positive development, that the 16 peace seats in the House of Representatives were put to a vote for the second time. Those spaces are essential to ensuring that peasants, victims, women, Afro-Colombians and Indigenous groups — those who were disproportionately affected by the conflict — maintain a tangible role in decision-making. Conversely, the continuous threats against the physical safety of candidates are alarming. Just as it lamented and condemned the assassination of pre-candidate and Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, Panama categorically rejects all forms of political violence, since Colombia is undoubtedly and overwhelmingly a society of democratic and peaceful convictions. We therefore highlight the commitment of the Ombudsman’s Office to a free and peaceful electoral process as a key tool in combating stigmatization, disinformation and narratives that oppose peace. We express our solidarity with the more than 8,400 Colombians who, between December and March, found themselves in a situation of internal displacement, while reiterating our special attention to the situation of the 23,000 people who live in confinement owing to continuous clashes and armed strikes. In that regard, Panama notes with concern the expansion of the indiscriminate use of drones in various regions of Colombia and reiterates its firmest rejection of their use, particularly given the disproportionate risk that they pose to the civilian population. While we recognize the persistent challenges to the implementation of the Final Agreement, we value Colombia’s concrete efforts and results achieved in implementing the development programmes with a territorial focus, as well as in the formalization, delivery and restitution of land. With regard to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, Panama reiterates the importance of that constitutional component of the Final Agreement as a key innovative mechanism for promoting reconciliation, restorative justice and guarantees of non-repetition. Likewise, it constitutes an exemplary initiative that could be considered and adapted in other contexts of transitional justice. In that connection, we will closely follow the potential verification modalities of other international actors, as well as the evolution of sanctions and the processes for recognizing responsibility. The protection of peace signatories, human rights defenders and populations historically affected by the conflict, as well as of the general population, remains essential. Panama therefore reaffirms that safeguarding the right to life must remain at the centre of all efforts aimed at consolidating peace in Colombia. Panama reiterates its firm support for the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia in its entirety and particularly values its concrete assistance in safeguarding and monitoring the commitments of the Final Agreement, verifying the reintegration of former combatants, providing security guarantees, ensuring agrarian reform and supporting processes on the ground. While persistent challenges exist, we are certain that the Colombian State will continue to redouble efforts, when necessary, to ensure that peace reaches every one of its territories.

We would like to thank Mr. Miroslav Jenča for his detailed briefing on the situation in Colombia. We listened with interest to the representative of civil society, Ms. Olga Lucía Quintero Sierra. We welcome to the meeting the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy. Colombia has entered another election cycle, and in the context of the ongoing internal armed conflict, it is the safety of candidates and voters that must be prioritized. The grim track record of political violence in the country and the quite recent assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay continue to cast a shadow over the electoral process. In this context, we note that the congressional elections on 8 March proceeded smoothly, although several unpleasant incidents did take place before election day. We trust that, in the lead-up to the presidential elections, law and order will prevail throughout the entire country, with conditions being created for a safe and democratic vote to take place. Given that armed groups are active in 60 per cent of municipalities, this task will require greater State control on the ground, in particular in remote regions. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace must be a top priority for the future authorities, just as it has been a priority for the current Administration over the past four years, as Foreign Minister Villavicencio Mapy reiterated today, as well. The historic agreement of 2016, which put an end to decades of armed conflict between the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP), is not merely a dish on the menu for the political leadership in Bogotá. Rather, it is the very basis for national reconciliation and the voluntary compliance with the obligations undertaken by the parties pursuant to Security Council resolutions. In this regard, the Security Council and Russia, as a permanent member, will continue to monitor the implementation of the Final Agreement, fully harnessing the potential of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. Over the past nine years since the Agreement entered into force, there have been both involuntary and intentional delays in its implementation. As a result, the situation of ex-combatants, victims of the conflict and all civilians in the affected areas as a whole can hardly be described as stable or safe. The gaping hole in the implementation of the Agreement, which we keep emphasizing, is the protection of approximately 12,000 former fighters who have laid down their arms. The fact that the measures taken to ensure their safety and reintegration are insufficient is evidenced by grim statistics: nearly 500 cases of killings of former members of FARC-EP, numerous attacks and threats, skyrocketing unemployment and mass forced displacement of people who simply fear for their lives. We are also somewhat concerned about the prospects for former fighters being represented in the dialogue with the authorities, given that the Comunes party was not elected to Congress. We note, nonetheless, that the movement’s leadership has renewed its commitment to the Final Agreement. We trust that we will still hear from representatives of the signatories to the Final Agreement at the Council meeting, as their remarks can be extremely helpful in forming a comprehensive picture of the situation. Although the task of monitoring the implementation of verdicts by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace of Colombia has been removed from the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, the Security Council must not lose sight of transitional justice, which is an integral part of the Final Agreement. It is important that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace continue its independent and thorough work, while being aware of the need for timely adjudication of cases involving those most responsible for crimes during the armed conflict. The Colombian authorities, in turn, must create conditions for the appropriate enforcement of sentences. The restoration of justice, as well as ensuring the security of all participants in the process, is a prerequisite for general national reconciliation. We are determined to continue to draw attention to these problems relating to implementing the Final Agreement. We are firmly convinced that without progress in this area, it will be extremely difficult to achieve success in the peaceful dialogue with other armed groups, as well as to ensure security in the country as a whole. We hope that the future leadership in Bogota will realize this and that the current authorities will use their remaining time to make as much progress as possible on implementing the Final Peace Agreement. The international community, through the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia led by Miroslav Jenča, must provide them with all the necessary assistance.

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

I thank our briefers today. The United States remains deeply concerned about instability, violence and illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in Colombia. The violence and drug trafficking perpetrated by terrorist organizations and illegal armed groups jeopardize the safety of not only Colombians, but the safety of everyone in the region, including Americans. On 19 March, one of these groups, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo dissidents led by alias Iván Mordisco, threatened the access of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to territories within its purview. We urge the Government of Colombia to prioritize addressing the threats that these groups pose with respect to terrorism and other crimes and abuses. Illegal armed groups have precipitated an acute humanitarian crisis, while committing rampant abuses against civilians, including forced displacement, confinement, sexual violence and the unlawful recruitment and use of children in combat. Curbing the cultivation of coca and the production of cocaine is also essential to preventing illegal armed groups from imposing a reign of terror across the country and the region. The United States condemns all those who seek to undermine peace through narcotrafficking and terrorist activity. The United States continues to designate groups active in Colombia as foreign terrorist organizations, cutting off their funding and resources. There must be no impunity for acts of terror or violence by illegal armed groups. We note the Secretary General’s report (S/2026/229) that states congressional elections took place with no major disturbances to public order. As Colombia approaches presidential elections, the United States remains vigilant of any actions by groups that threaten the integrity of these upcoming elections. These elections are occurring in the shadow of the assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay last year, a stark reminder of Colombia’s dark days of political violence where political leaders were killed, kidnapped and prevented from freely campaigning. We condemn death threats made against presidential candidates in Colombia and applaud Special Representative Jenča’s condemnation of such threats. The United States stands with the Colombian people as they work towards lasting peace and security in Colombia.

I thank Special Representative Jenča and Ms. Olga Quintero Sierra for their briefings, and I welcome Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio Mapy to this meeting. The latest Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/229) detailed an important political juncture in Colombia with the election of its new Congress in March. We congratulate the people of Colombia on the successful and peaceful conduct of these elections. Elections are volatile moments, not least in countries emerging from conflict. Looking ahead to presidential elections next month, it is imperative that authorities take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of candidates and voters to enable free, fair and inclusive elections. Democratic space, particularly in conflict-affected areas, must be protected and respected. Against this backdrop, allow me to focus on three points: First, as we approach the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace later this year, we commend the continuous commitment of the Colombian Government to implementing the agreement. Important progress has been made, notably in areas of rural reform and reintegration, key elements for building a lasting peace. However, there is still more to be done to stabilize conflict-affected regions, as highlighted also by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his briefing. We urge the new Government in Colombia to continue the course and prioritize fulfilling the promise of the peace agreement. Secondly, conflict-related violence in regions across Colombia regrettably continues to pose significant danger and undermine implementation of the peace agreement. The reporting period was marked by persistent security challenges for former combatants, vulnerable communities and political and social leaders. Violence, including killings and forced displacement, continues in several departments amid clashes among illegal armed groups. We further call on the Government to prioritize the implementation of the policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organizations and expand State presence in conflict-affected areas to protect vulnerable communities. In the light of this week’s opening of the session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, we must underscore the disproportionate impact of violence against Indigenous peoples, including Indigenous human rights defenders. Colombia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a human rights defender, with nearly 1,000 individuals killed between 2016 and 2025. In that regard, enhanced implementation of the ethnic chapter is also key. At the same time, women continue to face heightened risks and barriers to participation due to armed violence and genderbased discrimination. We stress the importance of advancing women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in peace implementation, as well as strengthening the protection of women leaders. Thirdly, Denmark is concerned by the worsening impact of the conflict on children in Colombia. Recent reporting highlights the continued threat of recruitment and use of children by non-State armed groups, disproportionately against Indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians. This was made painfully clear earlier this year when 26 bodies, including four Indigenous children from the Nasa people, were found in an area of armed group conflict in the department of Guaviare. Denmark calls on all illegal armed groups to cease their recruitment of children and release all those they have within their ranks. Strong prevention and protection measures and prompt investigations and accountability of perpetrators are all key elements. We welcome the significant progress made in Case 7 of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, with six former top Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo commanders acknowledging their responsibility for the recruitment of more than 18,000 children during the conflict and for sexual and reproductive violence. This is a positive step for transitional justice and redress for the victims. In closing, Denmark reiterates our steadfast support for the Colombian people on their path to sustainable and lasting peace. Despite challenges, Colombians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, and we wish them a safe and secure presidential election in the coming weeks.

I will now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Bahrain. (spoke in Arabic) First, I would like to welcome Her Excellency Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, for her participation in this meeting. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Colombia (S/2026/229), as well as Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, and Ms. Olga Lucia Quintero Sierra, representative of the Catatumbo Peasant Association, for their briefings. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on Colombia, which reflects the progress made in implementing the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, in particular regarding comprehensive rural reform, reintegration, security and protection. To this end, we wish to emphasize three important points. First, the Kingdom of Bahrain supports the continued full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, which constitutes a fundamental and comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable national reconciliation and establishing lasting security and stability in Colombia, while guaranteeing the rights of victims and promoting comprehensive development efforts for all segments of the Colombian people. The Kingdom of Bahrain views the progress achieved as a positive step that must be built upon and emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts in the areas of transitional justice and rural development, as well as continuing investment in sustainable development, which would contribute to the achievement of security, stability and prosperity in Colombia. Secondly, we welcome the efforts made by the Republic of Colombia aimed at protecting children and promoting women’s participation, and we emphasize the importance of continuing efforts to ensure the necessary security protection for the most vulnerable groups and to activate legal and judicial mechanisms to ensure accountability for groups involved in violence against women and the forced recruitment of children, alongside the need to strengthen social programmes aimed at safely and sustainably reintegrating those affected into their communities. Thirdly, we commend the success of the Colombian congressional elections in March 2026, which demonstrated the resilience of Colombia’s democratic system and the capacity of its national institutions to ensure a free and fair electoral process despite challenges on the ground. We consider the participation of Colombian people from all walks of life in this electoral process and the fact that millions of voters went to the polls as a reflection of the Colombian people’s commitment to the constitutional path as the only option for achieving stability, progress and prosperity. Furthermore, the allocation of 16 seats to represent the regions most affected by the conflict and its victims is a positive achievement that strengthens the legitimacy of legislative institutions. This step is not limited to political representation alone; rather, it is an effective tool of redressing political harm and integrating marginalized groups into the decision-making process. We must emphasize the importance of ensuring security arrangements throughout the country to guarantee the safe participation of all in the presidential elections scheduled to be held in June. In conclusion, we must commend the active role of the United Nations Verification Mission and its efforts in monitoring the implementation of the Final Agreement, monitoring progress in rural areas and the development of infrastructure, and coordinating with relevant parties to advance transitional justice and ensure the success of the presidential elections. The Kingdom also reaffirms its support for the efforts of the Government and brotherly people of Colombia to achieve peace and stability. We wish them every success for the upcoming presidential elections. (spoke in English) I resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.