I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing today. I would like to express Estonia’s strong support to the work of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. We warmly welcome H.E Claudia Blum de Berbieri, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia.
We fully recognize that handling the COVID-19 pandemic takes a lot of attention. At the same time, it is crucial to stay on the course and continue the efforts in implementing the Peace Agreement in its entirety.
We welcome the progress made during the last reporting period, especially with regards to the transitional justice system that provides truth, justice and reconciliation for the victims. The first indictment by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace against eight former FARC-EP members for war crimes and crimes against humanity is an important step forward. This paves the way towards the end of impunity. The victims’ rights need to be respected. A lot still needs to be done, especially with regards to the victims’ participation in the transitional justice system. Therefore, Estonia supports expanding the mandate of the Verification Mission to support the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
We welcome the continued commitment by both parties – the Government and FARC – in implementing the peace agreement. The constructive meeting held between President Duque and the president of the Comunes Rodrigo Londoño on March 10th is a remarkable sign of it.
However, challenges remain and threaten the success of implementing the Peace Agreement. We are deeply concerned about the continuation of grave violations. In the first quarter of 2021, the security situation has significantly deteriorated in several key areas of the country, including the Pacific region.
The killings of former combatants, social and indigenous leaders and human rights defenders have continued. The alarming number of killings needs to be curbed urgently by re-building trust and state authority. We condemn all sexual and gender based violence and underline the importance of access to comprehensive services by all survivors without discrimination.
We condemn the continued recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups and criminal organizations. All children must be released. We encourage the Government to strengthen child protection measures and allocate sufficient resources for the implementation of necessary programs, particularly at the local level and in vulnerable areas of the country. The spiral of hate generates displacement and insecurity, and must be ended.
Finally, building peace takes time, effort and active commitment by all parties.
Estonia strongly supports the continued dedication to implement the Final Peace Agreement.
Thank you!