Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on COLOMBIA
New York, 21 April 2026
Thank you, Mr. President.
I extend warm welcome to H.E. Rosa Villavicencio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, to this meeting. I thank SRSG Miroslav Jenča for the comprehensive briefing and Ms. Olga Quintero, representing the civil society, for sharing her insights.
Mr. President,
As Colombians exercise their democratic rights at the polls this year, it is particularly important to emphasize the relevance of the Peace Agreement in leading the country towards an inclusive democratic environment and tackling the structural causes of the conflict.
As reflected in the report by Secretary-General, despite persistent security and structural governance challenges, we note that the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement continues to progress. Going forward, the focus must continue to be placed on effective and well-coordinated implementation by Colombian authorities and all stakeholders, especially on rural reform, reintegration and extending state presence.
Mr. President, let me make three points:
First, Colombia’s recent, largely peaceful elections of the Congress reflect the combined impact of the 2016 Peace agreement, robust electoral institutions, and sustained international engagement. It demonstrates a solid transition from conflict-driven politics to a rule of law based democratic system in Colombia.
Although violence by armed groups in the conflict-affected regions continues to raise serious concerns, we commend the Colombian institutions for conducting Congressional elections in an orderly manner. As Colombia approaches presidential elections, we underscore the importance of ensuring the security of all candidates and voters.
We note with satisfaction the female representation at almost 30% in the new composition of the Congress. Colombian women are powerful agents of transformation whose leadership has been instrumental in both, drafting the Peace Agreement, which fully integrates a gender perspective, as well as advancing its implementation.
Yet, their contributions are too often overshadowed by narratives that solely focus on their suffering and wictimhood. It is essential that women in Colombia continue to be fully recognized as indispensable peacebuilders, as affirmed by Colombia’s National Action Plan on “Women, Peace and Security”.
We also welcome the election of sixteen members in the House of Representatives under the provisions of the Peace agreement. Participation of victims, women, ethnic groups and farmers from conflict-affected regions in the political processes in Colombia, is key to inclusive democracy and political stability, and contributes effectively to the implementation of the Peace agreement.
Second, peace in Colombia requires the construction of a more just and present state. We emphasize the importance of continuity of full implementation of the Peace agreement, regardless of the election outcomes in Colombia.
Given its comprehensive approach to security, justice, and inclusion, the Final Peace Agreement remains the most viable mechanism for achieving durable peace in Colombia. It sets a clear path forward and continues to serve as a roadmap for Colombia to carry out a comprehensive security strategy and address structural causes of the conflict.
In order to avoid setbacks in the strengthening of the rule of law, the gains consolidated over the past ten years should be capitalized on and build upon. It is especially relevant when it comes to the work carried out by Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is a cornerstone for transitional justice and reconciliation efforts in Colombia.
Third, according to UNICEF, in Colombia roughly every 20 hours a child is recruited into armed groups and tens of thousands more are at serious risk of recruitment, especially from indigenous and African descent.
We encourage Colombian government to strengthen state presence in the conflict-affected regions, protect schools and education centres, and invest more into development of remote and vulnerable areas. This will provide opportunities for children and employment for youth, helping to counter the persistent recruitment attempts from armed groups, including through social media, which has become a growing concern.
Finally, Latvia remains a trusted partner and in solidarity with Colombian people reiterates its full support to UN Verification Mission in Colombia and commends its solid and constructive territorial presence throughout the country, which is crucial for maintaining strong credibility and trust in the UN Verification mission from diverse stakeholders, most importantly, Colombian society. The Mission should continue to focus on its work in the conflict-affected regions, to ensure successful fulfilment of the mandated tasks for the benefit of the Colombian people.
I thank you.