UNSC briefing on UNVMC/Colombia

[13 July 2021]

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Mr. President, I would like to begin by thanking SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for updating us on the developments of the last three months on the peace process and activities of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) towards the implementation of its mandate. I particularly welcome the presence Her Excellency Ms. Marta Lucia Ramirez, Vice President and Minister for Foreign Affairs in today’s meeting.  I also thank civil society briefer Ms. Melissa Harrera for her briefing.

2. UNVMC embodies the UN’s capacity to bring about positive change in both security and development aspects of post-conflict settings. It has helped and strengthened the efforts of national authorities to bring together communities and institutions to advance peace, development, and the rule of law, especially in areas historically affected by the conflict. We reiterate our support to the Mission and the SRSG.

3. We join others in strongly condemning the attack carried out targeting the Colombian President’s helicopter in the north-east of the country on 25 June.

4. Colombia is witnessing considerable progress in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Today, democracy in Colombia is deepening through increased political participation. The transitional justice system to ensure truth, justice, and reparations to victims is making headway, particularly under the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the Truth Commission.  We, therefore, applaud the efforts of the people and the Government of Colombia in realizing the achievements of the last four years.

5. The progress in the last three months towards the implementation of the Final Agreement has been positive, despite complex challenges, including the Covid pandemic. The nationwide strikes during the reporting period have again underscored the need for broader engagement among all stakeholders to address longstanding inequalities, security issues and crop substitution. In view of the upcoming electoral cycle, the focused implementation of the five priorities proposed by the Secretary-General to reinforce the implementation of the Agreement in 2021 will be important. The authorities also need to take measures to provide safeguards to ensure an inclusive political atmosphere.  In this context, I have the following observations to make:

i. The national policy to dismantle illegal armed groups approved in March earlier this year is a positive step to augment the presence of State institutions, including the deployment of security forces. We hope that a road map to implement the national policy will be formulated soon. Integrated and enhanced presence of State authorities throughout the country is fundamental to lasting and durable peace.

ii) The ongoing rural reforms, reintegrating ex-combatants, including non-TATR across the country; providing land and effective implementation of illicit crop substitution programme need to maintain momentum. It is important to ensure that the great majority of former combatants are involved in income-generating activities. Recently, progress made with regard to allotment of land to ex-combatants for carrying out agriculture and rooting out use of illicit crops are welcome developments.

iii) The strengthening of protection and security for former combatants is an important element of the peace process. Regular dialogue between former combatants and public security forces, including in the context of the Tripartite Mechanism for Security and Protection, could help provide timely and more effective responses to the problem. More measures should be taken to ensure the security of social leaders and human rights defenders-particularly women leaders, indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders.

iv) Strengthening judicial capacity, particularly in the regions most affected by violence is also significant.  The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the Attorney-General’s Office should be provided with resources to strengthen the campaign against impunity. The work of the National Commission on Security Guarantees must be encouraged in order to make effective progress on the issue of dismantling illegal armed groups.

v) The voluntary testimonies before the Truth Commission acknowledging the past crimes and seeking forgiveness is a welcome development and positively contributes to national reconciliation.

6. Lastly, Mr. President, I would like to highlight the special relationship that India shares with Colombia. In 2019, India and Colombia celebrated 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. We have now entered a new decade with the vision to further diversify and strengthen our relations. Over the years, the relationship has expanded in various areas of mutual interest - political, cultural and commercial. This is evidenced by growing trade and investments from India and the increasing presence of Indian companies in Colombia. There is growing interest with respect to India among Colombians, including its culture and heritage. This came to light recently on 21 June, when thousands of Colombians participated in International Yoga Day celebrations. As Colombia marches ahead in its journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity, India, as Colombia’s long-standing friend and partner, will continue to stand in solidarity with the people and government of Colombia.

I thank you, Mr. President.