22.01.2025. Statement by Denmark at the Security Council briefing on Colombia

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Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me also thank Special Representative Ruiz Massieu, High Contracting Party Representative Mr. Tovar, and Mr. Valbueno for their briefings today, and I welcome the participation of Colombia’s Foreign Minister Murillo in this meeting.

At the end of last year, Colombia celebrated it’s eighth anniversary of the Final Peace Agreement. A historic Agreement which brought an end to more than 50 years of conflict.

Denmark commends the Colombian people for their determination and their tireless pursuit of peace.

Mr. President, allow me to focus on three areas.

First, violence continues to represent an existential threat to the Final Peace Agreement.

 Denmark is alarmed by the escalation of violence in the north-east Catatumbo region of Colombia, which killed dozens of people and displaced thousands. We strongly condemn the attacks by the ELN and the EMBF and call for the immediate cessation of hostilities.

An urgent humanitarian response is needed to help those in need, and the scaling up of security measures to protect vulnerable groups must be a priority.

Denmark is alarmed by the reports of mass displacements and confinement by armed groups, including in the Pacific region, and the increase in the recruitment of children. Women continue to bear the brunt of insecurity, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.

We strongly condemn the high levels of violence against social leaders, including Indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders. The increasing trend of homicides against leaders in environmental protection and land restitution must be reversed.

We are also deeply concerned by the high number of former combatants killed since the signing of the Peace Agreement, including those killed in recent days. Security challenges continue to hamper the social, economic and political reintegration of former combatants who laid down their arms for peace.

It is crucial to advance the effective implementation of security guarantees.

Second, Mr. President, despite these serious challenges, progress has been made.

We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to advancing the rural reform chapter, and progress on land distribution and formalization.

We commend the efforts of the Government to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organisations. We call on the Government to expand efforts towards establishing an integrated State presence across conflict-affected areas to protect vulnerable communities.

Denmark is also encouraged by the Government’s commitment to accelerate the implementation of the ethnic chapter. However, as we have heard today again from Mr. Valbueno, challenges remain.

We hope to see greater progress and resources allocated to ensure the benefits of this important chapter are felt by ethnic communities. Tackling insecurity which causes further delays to implementation is key.

The women of Colombia played a critical role in shaping this peace process, demanding their rightful place in the discussions that would shape the future of their country.

As others here today, Denmark therefore warmly welcomes the launching of Colombia’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. We hope this plan will complement the gender provisions in the Peace Agreement and reinforce women’s political participation.

The allocation of sufficient budget for 2025 across all of these areas will be vital.  Funding is critical for the consolidation of the gains made for the people of Colombia. 

Mr. President, my third point relates to transitional justice.

Denmark commends the progress made by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace to support the victims and survivors of the conflict.

We look forward to the prompt issuance of the SJP’s first restorative sentences. We underscore the necessity for adequate funding and the necessary security arrangements to be in place to implement these rulings.

Legal certainty for individuals under the SJP’s jurisdiction is critical. Closure helps to consolidate peace, allowing the scars of this conflict to heal. We call for any issues between the SJP and peace signatories to be resolved based on the framework of the Peace Agreement.

In conclusion, Mr. President,

Let me underscore Denmark’s full support to Colombia’s peace process, which remains an example to the world.

We look forward to supporting Colombia on its path to lasting and sustainable peace during our Council term.

Thank you.

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