Carlos Ruiz Massieu welcomed the government’s recent measures to reform rural areas and promote equality in line with the 2016 peace deal between the government and militia group FARC EP that ended five decades of civil war.
“Today’s Council decision to approve the expansion of the Mission’s mandate to include the Comprehensive Rural Reform of the Agreement and the Ethnic Chapter in its review duties will allow the Mission to increase its contribution to peace in Colombia,” Herr said Massieu subsequently unanimously adopted Resolution 2673.
The Ethnic Chapter aims to ensure representation and oversight of indigenous and marginalized groups in peace building.
Addressing deep inequalities
Colombia’s new government under President Gustavo Petro took office in August.
Legislation was signed last week establishing the Ministry of Equality, to be headed by Vice President Francia Marquez, the first Afro-Colombian woman to hold the position.
The new institution aspires to address deep inequalities affecting women, indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians, Mr Massieu said.
“It can certainly be an important tool to advance the goals of the peace agreement by helping to bridge inequalities within Colombian society,” he added.
Ms Marquez attended the council meeting and the UN envoy condemned the attempt on her life, reported the previous day.
He reiterated the Secretary-General’s praise for the government’s agreement to buy land for rural communities and increase budgets for agriculture.
“Rural reform is now, and at last, clearly coming to the fore in efforts to build a more peaceful and prosperous Colombia,” said Mr. Massieu.
“This year is also key to advancing pending legislation to implement the peace agreement. Victim representatives in Congress, as well as members of political parties across the spectrum, will all have vital roles to play,” he added.
Support for former fighters
Success in reintegration is a key component in restoring a stable and lasting peace in Colombia, and the Head of Mission pointed to other positive steps, such as extending the national basic income until June 30.
The move will ensure thousands of ex-combatants have access to a basic monthly salary.
Mr Massieu said it was important to support men and women who are making the transition to civilian life despite enormous challenges and threats.
The violence is still ongoing
However, he deplored that violence against indigenous communities, social leaders and former FARC EP members continues more than six years after the signing of the peace agreement.
He stressed the need to ensure coordinated implementation of the agreement’s provisions on security guarantees.
policy of “total peace”.
Mr. Massieu further reported that while the Colombian government is moving forward with the implementation of the agreement, cooperation with illegal armed groups will continue as part of its “total peace” policy.
Authorities and the National Liberation Army (ELN) concluded a first round of peace talks in Venezuela last month, with another round set to go to Mexico in the coming weeks.
“The parties’ decision to resume talks has broad support in Colombian society and is particularly appreciated by conflict-affected communities in several regions,” he said.
At the request of both sides, the UN Secretary-General agreed that the envoy should “constantly accompany” the dialogue process.
