Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Colombia
2023/7/12
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ruiz Massieu, for his briefing on the progress in the peace process in Colombia. I also thank Ms. Salcedo López for her insights related to the gender chapter of the agreement. I extend a warm welcome to the Minister Leyva.
Colombia has again demonstrated its great potential of becoming a model of peacebuilding with its best practices. The approval of the Government's National Development Plan (NDP) by Congress is another good example. The NDP includes commitments to the ethnic chapter of the Final Agreement and a plan for rural reform, which are imperative for peacebuilding in Colombia. Japan looks forward to the effective implementation of the NDP, which will allow for the addressing of urban-rural gaps and the promotion of comprehensive development.
To achieve sustaining peace under the NDP, we reiterate the importance of building resilient and transparent institutions and systems, as well as providing capacity-building for each individual, placing human security at the core. Furthermore, all peacebuilding efforts can only be effective when they are led by a government that has the trust of the people. In this sense, Japan underscores the importance of conducting the department and municipal elections scheduled for October peacefully without violence.
Japan commends the continued effort by Colombia to achieve “Total Peace” through dialogue, in addition to the steady implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement. We welcome the recent agreements between the Government and the ELN on a six-month national bilateral ceasefire and an inclusive mechanism to involve Colombian society in the peace process. Japan also encourages other armed groups to constructively engage in dialogues with the Government to reach a ceasefire and to abstain from resorting to violent means.
Mr. President,
Japan appreciates the work by the UN Verification Mission in supporting Colombia’s efforts. In this regard, we note the request by the Government for an expansion of the mandate of the Mission to support its efforts at dialogue with armed groups, particularly in the verification of ceasefires. Taking into account the Secretary-General’s recommendations, Japan remains engaged in identifying how the Mission could most effectively carry out its mandate and serve the purpose of sustaining peace and stability in Colombia.
Japan condemns the continuing violence, most notably in rural areas, including against former combatants, social leaders and conflict-affected communities. Creating a conducive environment to reintegration will be key to addressing insecurity in the long term, as we have seen from the example of the draft of the Strategic Plan for Security and Protection for former combatants.
Long-term stability can only be achieved when the peace process is shaped by the stakeholders with their own vision and full ownership. Reintegration should be led by community-based initiatives with an emphasis on reconciliation and the active participation of all stakeholders including women and youth. To promote such initiatives, Council members should encourage Colombia to continue utilizing the Peacebuilding Commission.
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the peace process and peacebuilding efforts in Colombia.
I thank you.
I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ruiz Massieu, for his briefing on the progress in the peace process in Colombia. I also thank Ms. Salcedo López for her insights related to the gender chapter of the agreement. I extend a warm welcome to the Minister Leyva.
Colombia has again demonstrated its great potential of becoming a model of peacebuilding with its best practices. The approval of the Government's National Development Plan (NDP) by Congress is another good example. The NDP includes commitments to the ethnic chapter of the Final Agreement and a plan for rural reform, which are imperative for peacebuilding in Colombia. Japan looks forward to the effective implementation of the NDP, which will allow for the addressing of urban-rural gaps and the promotion of comprehensive development.
To achieve sustaining peace under the NDP, we reiterate the importance of building resilient and transparent institutions and systems, as well as providing capacity-building for each individual, placing human security at the core. Furthermore, all peacebuilding efforts can only be effective when they are led by a government that has the trust of the people. In this sense, Japan underscores the importance of conducting the department and municipal elections scheduled for October peacefully without violence.
Japan commends the continued effort by Colombia to achieve “Total Peace” through dialogue, in addition to the steady implementation of the 2016 Final Agreement. We welcome the recent agreements between the Government and the ELN on a six-month national bilateral ceasefire and an inclusive mechanism to involve Colombian society in the peace process. Japan also encourages other armed groups to constructively engage in dialogues with the Government to reach a ceasefire and to abstain from resorting to violent means.
Mr. President,
Japan appreciates the work by the UN Verification Mission in supporting Colombia’s efforts. In this regard, we note the request by the Government for an expansion of the mandate of the Mission to support its efforts at dialogue with armed groups, particularly in the verification of ceasefires. Taking into account the Secretary-General’s recommendations, Japan remains engaged in identifying how the Mission could most effectively carry out its mandate and serve the purpose of sustaining peace and stability in Colombia.
Japan condemns the continuing violence, most notably in rural areas, including against former combatants, social leaders and conflict-affected communities. Creating a conducive environment to reintegration will be key to addressing insecurity in the long term, as we have seen from the example of the draft of the Strategic Plan for Security and Protection for former combatants.
Long-term stability can only be achieved when the peace process is shaped by the stakeholders with their own vision and full ownership. Reintegration should be led by community-based initiatives with an emphasis on reconciliation and the active participation of all stakeholders including women and youth. To promote such initiatives, Council members should encourage Colombia to continue utilizing the Peacebuilding Commission.
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the peace process and peacebuilding efforts in Colombia.
I thank you.