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Carlos Ruiz Massieu has underscored the escalating violence in certain Colombian regions, pointing to the significant hurdles still facing the country’s peace efforts. He noted that areas like Catatumbo, Cauca, and Chocó are afflicted by ongoing violence, insecurity, poverty, and illicit economies, highlighting the critical need for continued progress in implementing the Peace Agreement and its accompanying reforms.
In a recent briefing with ambassadors, Mr. Massieu updated them on the situation in Colombia, focusing on the 2016 peace accord that concluded more than five decades of conflict between the government and the FARC-EP guerrilla group. He emphasized the ongoing importance of reintegrating former FARC fighters, noting that over 12,000 individuals have disarmed and are actively participating in the reintegration process. However, the year has also seen the troubling loss of 23 ex-combatants to violence.
Violence impacts communities
Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the disarmament, Mr. Massieu remarked that areas previously under FARC control experienced a “period of hope,” where residents began to enjoy the benefits of peace, including better security and increased investment in tourism. Unfortunately, this positive trend has reversed in some locations, where the emergence of both new and existing armed groups has exploited the state’s limited presence, seeking to dominate illicit economies.
Consequently, communities are facing severe repercussions, including displacement, confinement, and the assassination of social leaders and former combatants, alongside a rise in child recruitment into organized armed groups. Mr. Massieu pointed out that Colombia frequently grapples with the false choice between peace and security policies, asserting that fostering well-being in these troubled areas necessitates a complementary approach that integrates both.
Challenges and accomplishments
As head of the UN mission that oversees the verification of the peace agreement, Mr. Massieu acknowledged that while numerous provisions hold significant transformative potential, some long-term measures, like comprehensive rural reform, remain incomplete. Addressing the prevalence of illicit economies, which are intricately linked to the conflict, is vital for the consolidation of peace in Colombia.
The agreement has also initiated a progressive transitional justice system, emphasizing truth, restorative justice, and reconciliation. Mr. Massieu highlighted the pivotal role played by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which has made considerable strides in prosecuting those guilty of serious crimes committed during the conflict. He expressed anticipation for the forthcoming sentences that are expected to emerge from this process.
“I commend the recent measures introduced by the Jurisdiction aimed at enhancing investigations and hastening the issuance of restorative sentences,” he said, expressing confidence that the government will bolster its efforts to create suitable conditions for the enforcement of these sentences.
Dialogue, cooperation, and international support
In his concluding statements, Mr. Massieu reflected on Colombia’s longstanding practice of resolving armed conflicts through dialogue, with the 2016 peace accord representing the latest achievement in this effort. He stressed the necessity of prioritizing dialogue with stakeholders genuinely committed to peace and capable of delivering concrete benefits to affected communities.
Mr. Massieu expressed hope that the government would maintain its collaboration with other signatories to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement, and he called for continued support from the Security Council to help bolster these efforts.
Source
news.un.org