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Miroslav Jen\u010da told the Security Council on Monday that the 2016 accord must be implemented in full, with proper funding, better coordination between institutions and protection for former combatants.<\/p>\n
He pointed to real gains: rural development, and mechanisms for transitional justice and reparation for victims. But he admitted that implementation has had \u201cmany shortcomings\u201d and that much remains to be done<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Security policy and the peace agreement should reinforce each other, Mr. Jen\u010da said, and the accord should be carried out comprehensively.<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to the further definition of its policies, and we stand ready to support the Government in this regard<\/strong>,\u201d he said, offering the experience gained by the UN Verification Mission over almost a decade of supporting implementation.<\/p>\n Communities in conflict-affected regions remain exposed to armed groups, geographical isolation and limited access to public services. Child recruitment, particularly among ethnic communities, and threats and attacks against women remain major concerns, ambassadors heard.<\/p>\n Government data presented to legislators show that illegal armed groups grew from around 15,000 members in 2022 to approximately 28,000 today<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr. Jen\u010da also condemned the killings of civil society leaders Mar\u00eda Ovidia Palechor and James Flor in Cauca on 1 September, highlighting the risks faced by rights defenders.<\/p>\n He said expanding economic opportunities, improving public services and strengthening local institutions were essential to reducing violence.<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, more than 11,000 former members of the FARC-EP rebel group remain committed to reintegration<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n With State and international support, they have developed around 6,000 productive projects and 300 cooperatives in sectors including agriculture, tourism, trade and textiles.<\/p>\n Mr. Jen\u010da highlighted tourism initiatives involving former combatants and victims, aimed at stimulating local economies and job markets.\u00a0<\/p>\nViolence stalks communities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reintegration commitment<\/strong><\/h2>\n