Pakistan urges armed groups to renounce violence ahead of Colombia Peace Pact’s 10th anniversary

Security Concerns

The Acting Pakistan permanent representative, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, articulated a critical concern regarding the persistent security challenges that continue to undermine the progress made under Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. He specifically condemned the targeting of Colombian security forces, former combatants, social leaders, and human rights defenders by armed gangs and ex-combatants. This violence, he noted, poses a significant threat to the multifaceted gains achieved through the peace plan, indicating that the cessation of hostilities has not fully materialized for all segments of the population.

Colombia's Foreign Minister, Omar Bula Escobar, corroborated these concerns, presenting stark statistics to illustrate the ongoing crisis. He revealed that between 2016 and August 2026, over 132,930 people were murdered, with 100,000 cases of extortion and 2,750 kidnappings recorded. Escobar emphasized that for many Colombians, particularly rural communities, workers, children, and security forces, peace remains an elusive reality. The increase in illegal armed groups and their continued engagement in drug trafficking, child recruitment, and territorial expansion further complicates the path to lasting stability.

2016 Peace Agreement

The 2016 Peace Agreement, signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People’s Army (FARC-EP), aimed to formally end over half a century of civil conflict. The agreement encompassed crucial elements such as the disarmament and reintegration of FARC-EP members, rural reform, enhanced political participation, and transitional justice mechanisms. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia was established in the same year to monitor and verify the implementation of this landmark accord.

Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakistan's belief that the 2016 Agreement remains a vital framework for enabling Colombians to live with dignity and security. He welcomed the current government's commitment to governing from and for the regions to bolster state presence and security. However, Colombia's Foreign Minister indicated that the government is seeking adjustments to the UN Mission's mandate, shifting focus towards reintegration and security guarantees while reducing emphasis on comprehensive rural reform, which he deemed beyond the Mission's scope and duration.

UN Verification Mission

Miroslav Jenca, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, presented the latest report on the peace process, urging comprehensive implementation of the Agreement. He acknowledged that while the Colombian government has reaffirmed its commitment, a clear implementation approach remains to be fully outlined. Jenca highlighted significant shortcomings in the implementation process over the years and stressed the need for security policies that complement peace efforts.

Jenca also pointed out that clear plans for financing key programs and institutions, assigning leadership and coordination responsibilities within the government, and reactivating established commissions are crucial for reassuring stakeholders about the continuity of the peace process. Pakistan expressed its intent to engage constructively with the Council and the Colombian delegation to support the upcoming mandate renewal of the UN Verification Mission, signaling its continued support for international efforts to foster peace.