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The following Security Council press release was issued today by Council President Nicolas de Rivière (France):

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with Colombia to support the comprehensive implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. They welcomed the continued commitment of both sides to this end, in the face of daunting challenges. They strongly supported the complementary efforts of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, working in coordination with the United Nations country team, and noted its expanded mandate under resolution 2574 (2021) to verify the respect of the sentences pronounced by the special jurisdiction for peace.

Members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support for the three components of the Global System for Truth, Justice, Redress and Non-Repetition, and stressed the need to fully respect their independence and autonomy. They welcomed the significant progress made recently in fulfilling each of their core mandates, as highlighted by the Secretary-General in his latest report, including the response of former FARC-EP members to their indictment for seizure. of hostages by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Noting that this is a key phase of the peace process, they encouraged all parties to shoulder their responsibilities to the victims of the conflict by contributing fully to the truth.

Members of the Security Council reiterated their concern at the continuing threats, attacks and assassinations targeting community and social leaders, including women leaders and those of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, as well as former FARC-EP members who have laid down their arms as participants in the peace process. They took note of the presentation by a youth leader from Pasto and, in this regard, underlined the importance of Colombian youth as protagonists of peace and welcomed the commitments to involve young people in decision making. They underlined the need for further progress in the implementation of the action plan of the “Comprehensive Program of Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders” and the importance of improving education and training opportunities. employment for women and young people. They encouraged the parties to collaborate closely in the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Security and Protection of Former Combatants and welcomed the rapid implementation of the public policy of dismantling illegal armed groups.

Members of the Security Council welcomed the results achieved so far in the reintegration process and encouraged efforts to strengthen them, including by paying increased institutional attention to ex-combatants residing outside the former territorial areas of training and reintegration.

The members of the Security Council regretted the recent violence observed in the context of national protests and expressed their condolences for the loss of life. They echoed calls for non-violence, respect for human rights and the resolution of disputes through peaceful and inclusive dialogue. They welcomed the government’s commitment to transparent investigations into reports of disproportionate use of force and to hold those responsible to account.

Members of the Security Council welcomed the continued efforts of the Colombian Government to promote inclusive development as an important element of stable and lasting peace. They reiterated the importance of implementing all aspects of the Final Peace Agreement, including rural reform, inclusive political participation, ethnic perspectives, gender provisions and the fight against illicit drugs, especially through crop substitution programs. They encouraged all actors to step up their efforts and consolidate progress towards its comprehensive implementation before the fifth anniversary of its signing in November.

For news media. Not an official record.