UNITED NATIONS – The UN envoy for Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, on Thursday welcomed encouraging political developments in Colombia and warned of the patience of violence as an impediment to peacebuilding in the country.
In recent months, Colombians have embarked on a fierce political crusade that led to the election of President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez, who will be sworn in on Aug. 7, and a new congress to be installed on July 20, he told Security. Advice at a quarterly briefing.
The effects of the elections increasingly reflect the diversity of the country’s dynamic society. Now there are more promises to train the political opposition. And 16 representatives of those suffering from conflict-affected regions will make their voices heard at the congress. It will also be an unprecedented congress like It will come with the largest proportion of women legislators, only about 30% of all congresses, she said.
“We hope that the new congress will make abundant progress in adopting more than 30 peace-related criteria that still await approval, adding key issues such as comprehensive rural reform and promises of political participation,” said Massieu, UN Secretary. Special Representative of the General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
He warned that violence remains a major impediment for the striker.
“In addition to the reasons for encouragement, we are reminded of the serious pitfalls that have an impact on peacebuilding. Chief among them is the persistent violence against communities, against leaders and ex-combatants in various departments,” he said.
Four more veterans have been killed in the past two weeks, bringing the total number of veterans killed to 331 since the signing of the peace deal in 2016, in which former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia voluntarily laid down their arms, Massieu said.
“Their protection will have to be guaranteed. A precedent for any peace agreement will have to be to protect the lives of those who laid down their arms in intelligent religion with the assurance that they will be protected. “
Illegal armed actors continue to target local leaders in conflict-affected spaces marked by poverty, illicit economies and limited state presence. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities are among the most severely affected by violence and insecurity, he said.
As the new government prepares to take office, President-elect Petro called for national unity and expressed his goal of deepening the overall implementation of the peace agreement, as well as seeking negotiated solutions, both political and judicial, with the remaining illegals. Armed actors, in what he called the search for “total peace,” he said.
“In fact, the incoming administration has a great opportunity and duty to push forward the implementation of the peace agreement. There are very smart reasons to be optimistic, and I think the United Nations and the foreign network as a whole deserve to do everything imaginable. “to give support,” he said.