Delivered by Permanent Representative, H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson at UNSC meeting taking place at ECOSOC chamber
I would like to thank the briefers SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu and Ms Clemencia Carabali and welcome H.E. Claudia Blum de Berbieri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to our meeting
The COVID-19 crisis has brought out the systemic vulnerabilities and inequalities of implementing the Final Peace Agreement. We stress the importance of ensuring that the people of Colombia have equal access to basic services, including education and health care. We welcome the efforts taken by the Government of Colombia to combat the pandemic and the establishment of a COVID-19 working group within the National Reintegration Council by the government and FARC. It is important that all armed groups cease hostilities in Colombia during this critical period in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution on COVID-19.
Lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice. The killings of former combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders have continued during the pandemic, underlining the urgency of immediate and concrete action to address this problem. We welcome the progress made by the Special Investigation Unit of the Prosecutor General’s Office in investigating these crimes.
We are also deeply worried that the pandemic has triggered an increase of sexual and gender-based violence that has an even worsening effect on female activists and social leaders. Violence against ethnic and indigenous groups has also remained high during the pandemic and remains a serious concern.
We encourage the Government of Colombia to make a continuous and consistent effort to prevent attacks on people defending fundamental rights. It is important to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violations. The vicious cycle of violence and impunity must stop. Victims and their families have a right to justice, truth and reparations.
The special protection needs of witnesses and victims, especially children, have to be fully addressed in the framework of transitional justice. In that regard, the work of the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition is essential. It is important to guarantee the independent functioning of all transitional justice mechanisms.
We condemn the continued recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups and criminal organizations. The recruitment and use of children has to end.
We urge the Government of Colombia to regularly convene the National Commission on Security Guarantees. There is also a need for a more effective response to the Ombudsman’s Office’s early warnings through the Inter-sectoral Commission.
We reiterate the urgent need to move further with the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement to ensure the progress despite the challenging circumstances.
Finally, we encourage all parties to continue cooperation in a constructive spirit to achieve lasting peace.
We would like to express Estonia´s strong support for the comprehensive implementation of the Final Peace Agreement.
I thank you!