Nearly 10 years after Colombia signed a historic peace agreement to end a decades-long insurgency, the deal is under strain from growing insecurity - and the UN's top official in the country says it cannot be allowed to falter.
Miroslav Jenča told the Security Council on Monday that the 2016 accord must be implemented in full, with proper funding, better coordination between institutions and protection for former combatants.
He pointed to real gains: rural development, and mechanisms for transitional justice and reparation for victims. But he admitted that implementation has had "many shortcomings" and that much remains to be done.
Security policy and the peace agreement should reinforce each other, Mr. Jenča said, and the accord should be carried out comprehensively.
"We look forward to the further definition of its policies, and we stand ready to support the Government in this regard," he said, offering the experience gained by the UN Verification Mission over almost a decade of supporting implementation.
Violence stalks communities
Communities in conflict-affected regions remain exposed to armed groups, geographical isolation and limited access to public services. Child recruitment, particularly among ethnic communities, and threats and attacks against women remain major concerns, ambassadors heard.
Government data presented to legislators show that illegal armed groups grew from around 15,000 members in 2022 to approximately 28,000 today.
Mr. Jenča also condemned the killings of civil society leaders María Ovidia Palechor and James Flor in Cauca on 1 September, highlighting the risks faced by rights defenders.
He said expanding economic opportunities, improving public services and strengthening local institutions were essential to reducing violence.
Reintegration commitment
Despite these challenges, more than 11,000 former members of the FARC-EP rebel group remain committed to reintegration.
With State and international support, they have developed around 6,000 productive projects and 300 cooperatives in sectors including agriculture, tourism, trade and textiles.
Mr. Jenča highlighted tourism initiatives involving former combatants and victims, aimed at stimulating local economies and job markets.
However, economic sustainability and security remain significant challenges. Since the agreement was signed in 2016, 501 former combatants have been killed, most recently on 22 September in Cesar.
The Special Representative reaffirmed the UN mission's readiness to continue supporting implementation and highlighted its value on the ground, noting that over almost a decade it had built relationships of trust in some of regions most impacted by continuing violence.
Colombia had entered "a new political chapter, with wide ranging challenges ahead," Mr. Jenča said, calling for "sustained international engagement in order to overcome remaining obstacles."
