Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the Reports of the Verification Mission in Colombia - July 14th, 2022

Distinguished colleagues,

On my national capacity, I would like to express appreciation to SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for the update presented, as well as to Mr. Franscico de Roux, President of the Truth Commission, and to Ms. Jineth Casso Piamba for their briefings. I also welcome the Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Marta Lucía Ramirez.

I am glad for the opportunity to commend once again the Colombian people for the remarkable job they have been undertaking. The historic elections concluded in June, in which Gustavo Petro was elected president, constitute another proof of the strength of the Colombian democracy and the institutional maturity of the country.

President Duque’s administration has consistently shown its commitment to the comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement. We take this opportunity  to recognize and applaud the efforts of the current administration to start addressing the root causes that are behind the cycles of political violence in Colombia.

Transitional justice is an area that has steadily advanced in the last years, as consistently shown in the reports of the Secretary-General. Brazil welcomes the Final Report of the Truth Commission and its recommendations. We believe that the work of Truth Commission leaves a solid legacy for strengthening the ongoing efforts for peace and reconciliation in Colombia.

Distinguished Colleagues,

We are glad that the elected President has voiced its commitment to the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, to enhance efforts to guarantee the safety of ex-combatants and to strengthen policies regarding women, indigenous populations and afro-descendants.

Brazil is fully cognizant that the implementation of the Peace Agreement depends on continuous efforts from multiple administrations. Enhancing social policies in historically neglected areas, which were strongly affected by decades of conflict, demands time and incremental work.

In this context, we underline that a smooth transition of power is key for accelerating progress. We hope that the new government will know how to build upon the work of the current administration and strength policies where needed.

Moreover, we are confident that political violence will never come back to the forefront in Colombia and we hope that peace can also be achieved with still active insurgent groups, such as the ELN.

Finally, I would like to stress once again that peace in Colombia is an achievement of its society. Colombia’s voluntary decision to involve the UN in monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement is a testimony of Colombia’s commitment to peace and an opportunity for this Council to perform an innovative role regarding its mission on peace and security.  In the current challenging geopolitical context, we are glad that this Council has been instrumental for the consolidation of peace in Colombia. On the Council’s side, a strict adherence to the role Colombia has asked this body to perform, as foreseen in the mandate, remains necessary to foster trust between the international community and the parties in the country.

As a neighbouring and close country, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to work together with Colombia in ensuring a prosperous and peaceful path for both our societies.