Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Colombia (following the adoption of the new Mandate for the UN Verification Mission in Colombia)

　
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his detailed briefing and insights. I also thank Mr. Wouriyu Valbuena for his inspiring testimony based on his own experience. I extend a particularly warm welcome to Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina and Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva Duran. I also thank the Peacebuilding Commission for their written advice.

Japan commends President Petro’s commitment towards the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement as a core element of his government’s “Total Peace” policy. This commitment is manifested in the joint request for UN support by President Petro’s administration and the former FARC-EP in order to implement the rural reform and ethnic chapters of the Agreement.
 
In this context, Japan welcomes the (unanimous) adoption of the resolution authorizing additional mandates for the UN Verification Mission in Colombia on comprehensive rural reform and ethnic perspectives. It enables the mission to further contribute to the consolidation of the peace process. This is an excellent example of the (whole) Security Council continuing to act in union to promote peace and security in Colombia. Japan appreciates and continues to support the role of the Special Representative and the Mission.
 
We strongly hope that the ethnic chapter will be further implemented, in a systematic and institutionalized way. Japan welcomes the passage of the bill to establish the Ministry of Equality and Equity as a concrete milestone in realizing social justice for all Colombians, including ethnic minorities as well as other vulnerable populations such as women and youth. We would like to congratulate Vice President Francia Marquez on her appointment as Minister of Equality and Equity. Her Excellency has been a great social leader in defending the rights of ethnic minority groups. I hope your efforts will lead to even greater advances in this regard.
 
The Colombian government has also taken concrete steps to implement comprehensive rural reform. We hope that the ongoing dialogues with rural populations will accelerate tangible progress in ensuring equitable access to land in rural areas. We echo the PBC’s welcome to the progress made in promoting women’s participation in the dialogues. Such processes will address the root causes of the conflict, and create a foundation for sustainable peace.
 
Japan acknowledges Colombia’s tireless efforts to advance the peace process in an institutionalized and inclusive manner. The core institutions and systems of the process, such as the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) and the Truth Commission, have involved both former combatants and victims to achieve progress. We believe that such an institutionalized inclusive approach based on the rule of law will eventually discourage violence and protect people in vulnerable situations such as women, minority ethnic groups, human rights defenders, and community leaders.
 
Japan welcomes the Colombian government's efforts to achieve a Total Peace, including recent ceasefire with different armed groups that have not yet signed a peace agreement with the government. We expect continued efforts towards a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, to achieve “Total Peace”. Please accept Japan’s full intention to contribute to discussing how the Security Council can best support these efforts.
 
To conclude, as a new member of the Security Council, Japan remains committed to supporting Colombia's efforts throughout its peacebuilding process.