Colombia: UN Urges Continued Support for Peace Mission & Reintegration Efforts | United Nations

Following a 17 percent reduction of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMIC’s) budget and the elimination of nearly 200 posts, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, highlighted that the Mission “has retained its essential field presence in conflict-affected regions” and called for the “continued support of the Member States to be able to fully implement the mandate.” Jenča told the Security Council that the reintegration of former combatants is “a security imperative for Colombia's present and future to avoid the recycling of violence,” and pointed out that nine years after the FARC-EP laid down arms under the Peace Agreement, “the path has proven challenging for the over 11,000 former combatants who remain active in the government's reintegration programme.” He said, “these are men and women living often in remote areas with limited infrastructure, access to markets, and threats to their security” while for the authorities, “it has also entailed major efforts, both financial and programmatic, to facilitate their transition into civilian life.” Jenča said security in many regions of the country “is still fragile,” and noted that “since laying down their arms, 487 former combatants have been killed.” He called on the authorities” to redouble efforts to investigate these crimes and prioritize security guarantees for peace signatories.” As the country approaches elections, Jenča said, “strategies for consolidating peace and security will be part of the debate.” He said, ensuring the security of candidates and voters in conflict affected regions is crucial. Colombians deserve a safe environment in which to exercise their political rights. The expansion of voting in areas historically affected by conflict, which we witnessed since the signing of the final peace agreement, should be maintained.” Jenča highlighted that at a time of tensions, both globally and regionally, it is in everyone’s interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia. Colombia’s Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir for his part acknowledged that the recent change to the Mission’s mandate “did not fully satisfy the majority of the members of this Council” and stressed that the Government “respects the decision adopted and reaffirms its absolute support for the verification Mission, whose work remains essential for the stability of the process.” With regard to the 2026 elections, Jaramillo Jassir said they were “decisive for the consolidation of peace,” noting that the Colombian State “has strengthened electoral security through a comprehensive plan led by the Committee for the Review of Electoral Protection Measures, with participation from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the National Police, and the National Protection Unit.” He said, “the capacity for personal protection has doubled and real-time monitoring mechanisms have been activated. Likewise, the political participation of women has been strengthened, particularly women leaders running as candidates for the special transitional peace constituencies through training, recommendations to the National Electoral Council to guarantee the political rights of women victims, and the activation of women leaders’ protection routes.”


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