UN official urges accelerated implementation of Colombia peace deal

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A UN official on Friday urged Colombian authorities and their partners to intensify efforts to fully implement the 2016 Peace Agreement, describing it as a vital framework for addressing the country’s remaining security and development challenges.

"The peace agreement provides a framework that can significantly contribute to addressing many of these problems, particularly its sections on security guarantees, illicit drugs, and rural reform," Miroslav Jenca, UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, told the Security Council.

Jenca, who is also special representative-designate of the secretary-general for Colombia, said the accord strengthens the state’s capacity to dismantle criminal structures, promote alternatives to coca cultivation, and deliver concrete development measures in long-marginalized rural areas.

"As the year begins, I wish to echo the secretary-general's call for all involved to intensify their efforts towards the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement.

"In particular, we call upon the current administration to expedite the process as much as possible during the remaining months of its term," he added.

With national elections approaching, Jenca stressed that peace and security strategies will feature prominently in political debates. He underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of candidates and voters, particularly in areas historically affected by conflict, saying Colombians must be able to exercise their political rights in a secure environment.

"At a time of tensions both globally and regionally, it is in everyone’s interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia," he said.

According to Jenca, the year ahead offers a critical opportunity for Colombia to advance peace as a strategic national objective and for authorities and partners to engage constructively through dialogue, especially in sensitive border areas where cooperation is essential.

Noting the progress already made, Jenca said Colombia has “come a long way on the path to peace and security,” adding that the peace agreement provides a "solid roadmap" for continued advances.

"I trust that the council will maintain its support and solidarity for this historic peace process and greatly appreciate its confidence in the Verification Mission," he said.

The UN Verification Mission in Colombia is a special political mission established in 2016 by the UN Security Council to verify the implementation of the final peace agreement and to assist Colombia in its commitment to ending the conflict and building peace.