"France welcomes the progress made by Colombia since 2016" [fr]

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his presentation, as well as Mr. Muhammad Abdul and Mrs. Moreno.
I also welcome the presence of Mr. Álvaro Duran with us for this meeting.

Mr. President, France welcomes the commitment made by the President of Colombia to implement the Peace Agreement in its entirety. The reduction of inequalities, agrarian reform, governance by and for women, dialogue with local communities, and the defense of the environment are all essential to the full implementation of the Agreement. This is all very positive.

The resumption of negotiations with the National Liberation Army is encouraging, as is the willingness of other armed groups to engage in dialogue. We support President Petro’s call for a cease-fire with all armed groups.

Mr. President,

France remains very concerned about the level of violence in many parts of Colombia. Security guarantees for human rights defenders and social leaders, as well as for former combatants who have laid down their arms, must be strengthened. The method proposed by the Colombian authorities, based on dialogue at the local level, is promising. To be effective, it must be accompanied by a strengthening of the State’s presence in areas historically neglected by the Agreement.

Indeed, in order to build peace, viable socio-economic opportunities must be offered to the populations that have suffered from the conflict. We welcome the government’s commitment to do more on land access and rural reform. The authorities’ new approach to illicit crop substitution is also welcome.

Finally, France welcomes the progress made by the Special Justice for Peace. The opening of three new cases is positive. The report of the truth commission was a crucial step towards reconciliation that deserves to be fully valued. All parties to this conflict must engage in these efforts for justice and truth, an indispensable step for the return of a lasting peace in the country.

Mr. President,

France welcomes the progress made by Colombia since 2016. The Peace Agreement is a historic agreement. We call on the Colombian authorities to continue and accelerate its full implementation and to dedicate the necessary resources. This is the surest way to establish peace in Colombia.
Thank you.