UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday released a statement reiterating its "full and unanimous support for the peace process in Colombia."
The council members highlighted the importance of "ensuring the comprehensive implementation" of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement in Colombia and praised the progress made, especially following the local elections.
They emphasized the crucial role of newly elected officials in fostering peace and the "full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women from diverse backgrounds in the peace process."
Commending the attention given to rural reform provisions, the council recognized the progress in land distribution to peasant and ethnic communities and the adoption of the Comprehensive Reintegration Programme.
They also expressed concern about the ongoing threats and violence faced by former combatants and social leaders, stressing the need for "further implementation of the action plan of the Comprehensive Programme for Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders."
The council welcomed the Colombian government's commitment to the ethnic chapter of the peace agreement, expecting 60 percent of its implementation by 2026.
Additionally, they anticipated the completion of Colombia's first National Action Plan for implementing UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.
The council praised the Colombian government's efforts to broaden peace through dialogue and negotiations with the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional and other groups, emphasizing the importance of good faith negotiations to reduce violence.
The council reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with Colombia to support the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, underscoring the commitment of both parties. ■
