I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
I would like to thank Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his presentation. We welcome the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luis Gilberto Murillo, as well as the Minister of the Interior, Juan Fernando Cristo, the High Commissioner for Peace, Otty Patiño, and the representative of the High Contracting Party, Diego Tovar.
Your presence here today reaffirms the commitment of all parties to achieving the full implementation of the final peace agreement, while advancing the “Paz Total” policy. This is an important political signal.
Ms. Beatriz Quintero's contribution - which we have just heard - also highlights the transformative impact of women in peace-building efforts, in Colombia as elsewhere. They must not only be consulted, but demand to be actively involved in decision-making processes, as envisioned in Colombia's visionary peace agreement. This message was also conveyed to us during the Council's visit to Colombia in February. Switzerland has heard this message, and we have therefore preceded this session with a declaration by the countries that have signed the Joint Commitments on Women, Peace and Security. Despite the many obstacles to their participation - not least the persistent threats to their safety and that of their families - Colombian women have always demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the peace process. To sustain the results of their efforts, we are looking forward to the publication and effective implementation of Colombia's first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
In addition to this, we would like to highlight three points:
First, Switzerland welcomes the new momentum given to accelerating the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. The appointment of Minister Cristo and the creation of the Rapid Response Plan are important steps in this direction. While agrarian reform is progressing, the implementation of development programs in the territories must remain a priority, so that the people most affected by the conflict can finally enjoy the benefits. This observation is also reflected in the latest advice of the Peacebuilding Commission.
Second, we stress the importance of complementarity between the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and the ongoing dialogues with armed groups. These dialogues can facilitate the conditions for the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in territories affected by armed conflict, and the implementation of the Agreement can reinforce the progress made in the dialogues. As a guarantor country in the peace negotiations between the government and the EMC FARC-EP, we recognize the progress made in these negotiations, including the extension of the ceasefire. We call for the effective resumption of negotiations between the government and the ELN, and for the renewal and strengthening of the ceasefire. We also note the progress made in the dialogue processes between the government and other armed groups, and the launch of new processes, including with the AGC (Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia). In this respect, Switzerland calls for the highest possible degree of coherence and coordination between the various peace efforts, so that they lead to lasting and tangible results, particularly in territories affected by violence.
Third, Switzerland supports the renewal of the current mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission, and recognizes the importance of its good offices in supporting dialogue with armed groups. The mission's existing capabilities and its presence on the ground are essential for monitoring conflict dynamics, maintaining contact with communities in conflict-affected areas and promoting the protection of the civilian population. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to warmly thank the SRSG and its mission for their valuable work. As we approach the mandate negotiations, we advocate preserving the mission's current resources and placing greater emphasis on the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. We count on the unity and continued support of this Council to this end.
To conclude, Switzerland supports and will continue to support peacebuilding in Colombia. We will continue to provide political, technical and financial support for the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. We will fulfill our responsibilities as guarantor and accompanying country of the peace talks in order to contribute to a sustainable peace in Colombia.
I thank you.