Special Representative Urges Colombia to Protect Former Combatants and Accelerate Rural Reform on 10th Anniversary of Peace Agreement
As Colombia approaches the tenth anniversary of its 2016 peace agreement, the United Nations is urging the government to enhance protections for former combatants, expedite rural land reforms, and prepare for critical elections in 2026. Miroslav Jenča, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, highlighted the resilience of communities affected by conflict while acknowledging the significant challenges they face. He emphasized the need for continued commitment to the peace process, particularly in light of the ongoing violence and instability in various regions of the country.
Challenges in Conflict-Affected Regions
During his address to the Security Council, Jenča reflected on his visits to various Colombian departments, where he met with local leaders, peace signatories, and representatives from diverse communities. He noted that life in Colombia’s remote areas remains a daily struggle due to the presence of illegal armed groups and a limited state presence. The reintegration of approximately 11,000 former combatants into society is particularly challenging, with many facing economic hardships. Since the peace agreement was signed, 487 former combatants have lost their lives, underscoring the dangers they encounter in conflict-affected areas. Jenča pointed out that border regions, such as Cúcuta near Venezuela, are especially complex due to ongoing clashes and the need for a robust response from the UN Mission.
As the UN Mission prepares for a reduction in personnel and resources, Jenča stressed the importance of implementing the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. He urged the Colombian government to expedite the agreement’s rural reform section, which addresses one of the root causes of the conflict. With elections approaching, ensuring the safety of candidates and voters in these regions is paramount. Jenča concluded by emphasizing that achieving lasting peace and security in Colombia is in everyone’s interest, especially amid rising global tensions.
Colombia’s Commitment to the Peace Process
Colombia’s Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, addressed the Security Council, marking his delegation’s first participation in a quarterly meeting as a Council member. He reaffirmed the Colombian government’s commitment to fully implementing the 2016 peace agreement, despite the UN Mission’s reduced focus. Jaramillo acknowledged that the recent modifications to the Mission’s mandate did not satisfy all Council members but expressed gratitude to those who supported a broader mandate. He highlighted the establishment of critical government bodies and the agreement on a monitoring instrument for the Strategic Security and Protection Plan.
Reintegration remains a central focus, with nearly 11,000 signatories actively participating in the comprehensive reintegration pathway. However, Jaramillo acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to the economic sustainability of projects and rural land reform. He emphasized the urgent need to ensure the security of peace signatories, noting that 45 former combatants were killed in 2025 alone. The Colombian government is approaching these challenges with a sense of responsibility, recognizing that the peace process is not perfect but is making progress while learning valuable lessons along the way.
International Perspectives on Colombia’s Peace Efforts
The representative of the United States expressed concerns about Colombia’s approach to negotiations with armed groups, suggesting that pausing combat operations and reducing coca eradication efforts may have emboldened these groups. She warned that such strategies could create perverse incentives, potentially leading to increased violence. Despite acknowledging productive discussions between the U.S. and Colombian presidents, she reiterated the need for Colombia to prioritize addressing instability, violence, and illicit drug cultivation.
The U.S. representative commended President Gustavo Petro’s warning to the National Liberation Army (ELN) regarding military action if they do not engage seriously in peace talks. She emphasized that historical precedents show that credible threats of military force are often necessary for successful peace deals. The representative urged Colombia to confront the violence perpetrated by armed groups and ensure justice for their victims.
Other speakers at the Security Council meeting praised Colombia’s progress in implementing the peace agreement, particularly in rural reform and land distribution. Delegates from Denmark and France encouraged the Colombian government to focus on sustainable transitions for former fighters and to address the root causes of violence. China highlighted Colombia’s peace process as a model for global peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development alongside peace efforts.
Ensuring Sustainable Peace and Reintegration
Concerns about the fate of former combatants were echoed by several representatives, including Greece, who stressed the need for comprehensive rural reform to provide sustainable alternatives to illicit activities. The representative from Pakistan urged all parties to maintain momentum in the peace process, transforming the promise of peace into tangible benefits for all Colombians. Bahrain’s delegate emphasized the necessity of coordinated international efforts to support the peace agreement, particularly in areas such as agrarian reform and civilian protection.
As the UN Mission operates under a reduced mandate, Panama’s representative expressed hope for a swift resolution to ensure the integrity of international support for the peace process. He underscored that Colombia’s peace is vital not only for the country but for the entire region. With the 2026 elections approaching, the need for security measures and protection for vulnerable groups in conflict-affected areas is more critical than ever. The heightened risk of violence and intimidation during this electoral period calls for urgent attention to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all stakeholders involved in the peace process.
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