Colombia: Rise in Violence Against Ex-Combatants, Social Leaders

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Published Jun 22, 2024

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and head of our political mission there, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, today (9 Apr) told the Security Council that “regrettably,” eleven more ex combatants have been killed since the last report of the Secretary-General on Colombia was issued.

Ruiz Massieu said, “social leaders, as well as entire communities, particularly Indigenous and Afro Colombians, still suffer the full impact of persisting violence and the limited presence of State institutions in various regions.”

Regarding dialogue between the Government and the FARC-EP dissident group Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the Special Representative said it was “essential to build on the progress made so far and to give clear evidence of their will for peace.”

“Any hostility against the civilian population,” he said, “sends the opposite message” and “erodes trust between parties and society, as was evidenced by the condemnable acts of violence against the indigenous population in Cauca, which led to the partial suspension of the ceasefire by the National Government.”

Ruiz Massieu told Council Members that Colombia has reached an important juncture in relation to its ambitions to implement the 2016 Final Peace Agreement, as key challenges remain to translate political will into results on the ground.