Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Ylva Johansson
Language: EN

The end of more than 50 years of conflict, with 9 million victims, is a much—needed piece of good news for the entire world. The Colombian peace agreement is cited internationally as a model because of its determination to address the root causes of the conflict and its central focus on the rights and dignity of the victims. All parts of the agreement need to be implemented as they are interrelated and thus necessary to achieve the goals. The Commission commends the commitment demonstrated by both the government and FARC, who have now disarmed and transitioned to politics with the names of communes. However, important challenges and setbacks persist in this process. The Commission’s main concern today is the persistence of violence perpetrated by illegal armed groups and criminal organisations, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, who keep fighting over illicit economies.  Recent months have seen massacres of civilians, a deterioration in the humanitarian situation of local communities in some regions, violence against ex-combatants committed to peace, against social leaders, human rights and environmental defenders, with a particular incidence on women, indigenous and Afro-descendant people. This illustrates the fragility of peace. Violence must end.  The EU has conveyed this concern to the Government of Colombia through various different channels. Among others, the VP/HR spokesperson issued a statement welcoming the recommendations included in the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.  The situation is very complex. We know the pandemic is not helping. We can only praise all efforts and progress achieved in Colombia, for example in areas such as rural development and the reintegration of former combatants. Still, Columbia needs faster and additional practical solutions. First, the presence of the State in conflict-affected areas has to be strengthened – both the military and, in particular, civilian presence. Socio—economic development of the territories is crucial for sustainable peace. In this exercise, working closely with civil society remains essential. Fighting impunity is also key. The transnational justice system is now up and running, but needs to advance.  The EU is proud to support the work of these three main institutions: the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, the Truth Commission and the Search Unit for the Disappeared. Of course, stronger efforts are needed by all actors to resume a genuine dialogue for comprehensive peace. Here I also call on the ELN to stop its campaign of violence, to release all kidnap victims and stop the recruitment of minors. The EU will continue to support all possibilities for dialogue.  In Europe, we know all too well that peace is a continuous process of rebuilding, renewal, restoration and reconciliation. This is why our support has been unwavering and united since the beginning. Overall, the EU has invested over EUR 648 million in the peace process in Colombia. This includes the EU Trust Fund, which today stands at EUR 130 million, with contributions from 21 Member States, the United Kingdom and Chile, as well as loans pledged by the European Investment Bank, short-term actions and ongoing programmes.  There are 30 projects running on EU contributions to support victims, the development of rural communities and the reintegration of ex-combatants. The continued work of the EU Special Envoy for Peace in Colombia, Eamon Gilmore, appointed in 2015, is an important sign of our long-standing commitment. His contribution has been outstanding, and the VP/HR has asked the Special Envoy to continue in his role.  The EU is not alone in its support for Colombia. The international community has been united in supporting the peace process, including the UN Security Council. This commitment is vital for the future of Columbia. From Europe, we will continue working with Colombia in this and all other areas of our relationship, ranging from political dialogue and cooperation in security and defence to trade and sustainable development, biodiversity and climate change. The current challenges are very serious, and we will continue supporting Colombia in its efforts by using all the available tools in the most effective way. Thank you very much for your attention and I look forward to this exchange of views.