Mr. President,

I first and foremost wish to thank the Special Representative Miroslav Jenca for his briefing and for his efforts since he has assumed his duties.

I also wish to welcome His Excellency, the Vice-Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir. His presence is an opportunity to convey to him, and to Colombia, our very best wishes and our full support.

As Colombia enters an election period, we must, more than ever, join forces to overcome the many challenges that remain, so that peace, justice, and reconciliation can be fully and sustainably restored. The Colombian people have a right to aspire to this, having demonstrated in 2016 that it was possible to end years of conflict through dialogue and negotiation.

Colombia’s entry into the Security Council this month is an opportunity for us to build upon this unique experience in terms of conflict resolution.

The exemplary nature of the Colombian case stems from a combination of strong commitment on the part of stakeholders and reliable support from this Council. In this regard, France reiterates its full support for the Special Representative and the United Nations Verification Mission. Changes were made to its mandate last October; streamlining measures were taken. We assure him of our confidence in his ability to carry out his mission effectively.

Mr. President,

In order to make these stabilizing and peacebuilding efforts a reality over the long term, Colombia has a unique mechanism : the 2016 Agreement. The full implementation of the agreement is the best way to tackle the root causes of the persistent imbalances. And I wish to emphasize the following points in particular:

i. First of all, rural reform is key. There is a need to address the inequalities which result in violence in the country and for this reason France consistently provides real support in this area.

ii. Second, reintegration and security guarantees for ex-combatants. Progress in this regard is key to avoid any attempts at rearmament and in order to prompt other armed groups to engage in a path towards demobilization.

iii. Transitional justice. It remains a pillar for national reconciliation and the integrity thereof needs to be preserved through, in particular, the implementation of the sentences.

Mr. President,

There is a need for two conditions to be met, to generate new momentum to the implementation of the peace agreement: the extension of state authority over all of the territory and the reduction of violence in the country. The two conditions, state authority and violence reduction, are inextricably linked. The dismantling of armed groups and organized crime networks requires that there be the assistance and presence of all institutional forces of the Colombian state, including in the most remote areas, and in order to protect indigenous communities in particular, who are disproportionately being affected by this violence.

France stands in solidarity with Colombia in its path towards reconstruction, applauds the courage of the Colombian security forces, who are combating violence fuelled by drug trafficking and illegal mining, and who are paying with their lives for these efforts. France believes that there is a need for the Council to continue to monitor the situation on the ground with vigilance and determination, in order to demonstrate to the Colombian people the international community’s commitment to standing by their side on the eve of key elections that are critical for peace.

Thank you.