Five Years After Colombia Peace Agreement, Secretary-General Praises ‘Active, Transformative but Always Challenging’ Process, at Anniversary Event

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, in Apartadó today:

This is my first field visit in post-COVID-19 times, a visit that translates my deep solidarity with Colombia, its institutions and the Colombian people.

Solidarity and tribute.  Tribute to the generosity of the Government and the people sharing the resources of the country with the Venezuelans who crossed the border in search of protection.

The granting of an interim protection status to all is an example of humanity in a world where so many close their doors to those in need of shelter.  Thanks to Colombia.

I am pleased to be in your municipality and to note first-hand the achievements of an active and transformative but always challenging peace.  To start my sixth visit to Colombia, the second as Secretary-General, here in Antioquia, has a special significance.

It is an honour for me to be with you in the presence of President [Iván Duque Márquez], with whom I have so many times discussed the progress and challenges of implementing the Peace Agreement and whose determination deserves my full solidarity and support.

The department suffered severely from the impacts of the conflict.  But also, its courageous and peace-convinced people have generated and continue to offer creative and effective solutions.

Antioquia is a laboratory of peace.  And it is no accident that my visit starts in the territories.

The Final Peace Agreement, which will mark five years tomorrow, had the success of conceiving peace in Colombia not as a process imposed from above, but as a great construction effort — and I quote — “from the regions and territories and with the participation of the territorial authorities and the different sectors of society”.

I had this in mind when I visited today two emblematic regions of conflict, which are now epicentres of peace.

This morning, in Llano Grande, former combatants in the process of reintegration and community leaders showed that, together with Government entities and accompanied by the international community, it is possible to overcome the challenges associated with access to land and housing, and consolidate economic initiatives.

Moreover, it is possible to overcome historical divisions for the well-being of communities, moving towards reconciliation.  This requires working together with representatives of women’s, indigenous and Afro-Colombian organizations, human rights, environmental and youth organizations.

Women have been at the centre of efforts from the beginning.  This has been reflected in my interactions during this visit.

The gender perspective reaches across the entire Agreement, focusing especially on areas such as reintegration, comprehensive rural reform, the search for a solution to illicit drug trafficking and attention to victims.

And we know that women’s representation can help generate more inclusion.  I hope that next year will bring positive progress in this area for the Colombian people.

Here, in Apartadó, I have witnessed the efforts of communities and the Government to advance the Territorially Focused Development Plans, [known as] PDET.  These programmes, as provided for in the Agreement, are a noble and necessary effort to improve the conditions of all those who build their lives in conflict-stricken territories.

I would like to highlight the participatory spirit of PDET.  The identification of community development priorities and the equal participation of women and all vulnerable groups in their design are essential.

We must follow the path shown by the negotiations on the Agreement and ensure that women have their central place in the design and implementation of development programmes.

The proposals and responses articulated by the local and national authorities, and support from the international community, are also key to successful implementation.

The private sector contributes to the promotion and consolidation of this territorial peace.

The conflict broke trust between communities and the State.  The Peace Agreement offers solutions through the continued presence of an inclusive State with the meaningful participation of those who were excluded and who have suffered from the conflict.

Keeping a steady pace in this process requires effective solutions to its challenges.  I noted with concern that several regions are still affected by the impact of insecurity.

The actions of illegal armed actors, the killings by them of local leaders, ex-combatants or human rights defenders, thwart the hopes of communities, as well as undermine the prospects for sustainable development.

I want to wish the women and men of the army and the security forces every success in fighting all those who continue to perpetrate violence in a country that wants peace.

It is important to remember that the Peace Agreement provides for innovative mechanisms, which must be used with their full potential to protect individuals and communities and dismantle illegal armed groups.

The Programme for the Voluntary Substitution of Illicit Crops is also an important tool for consolidation.  Peace requires facing the suffering from the past.  And reconciliation is the only way to a stable and lasting peace.

I am pleased that in Antioquia and Urabá, the victims, with their generosity, and those responsible for the damage caused, with their commitment, are taking important steps in that direction.

I would like to conclude by reiterating that the peace of Colombia necessarily goes through the peace of the territories.  I encourage you to take this landmark opportunity to turn the yearning for peace into reality.

And you can count on the strong support of the United Nations.