Vietnam underscores civilian protection, especially women and children in Colombia
VOV.VN - The nation has requested that relevant parties in Colombia take all necessary measures and effectively utilise security mechanisms as a means of protecting civilians, especially women and children.
Phan Ho The Nam, political coordinator of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, made the statement at a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) held on July 13 to discuss the situation in Colombia, along with the performance of the UN Verification Mission in the South American nation.
Nam acknowledged the positive developments made in the South American country in the fields of politics, economics, and social affairs.
He went on to urge all relevant parties to continue engaging in constructive dialogue as a means of resolving challenges and differences in the peace process, especially through mechanisms established through the Peace Agreement.
Vietnam will therefore continue to support the process of peace, security, national reconciliation, unity, and development in Colombia, along with the role of the UN Verification Mission.
The UN mission was originally established in 2017 for a three-year period for the purpose of overseeing the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in Colombia and can be renewed if necessary.
During the course of the meeting, UNSC member states noted the recent progress in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in Colombia, with many expressing concern about acts of violence and the killing of civilians, especially veterans.
They emphasised the need to strengthen measures aimed at preventing the activities of illegal armed groups, whilst simultaneously ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups as part of the reintegration process.
The countries also requested that the Colombian Government and related parties continue carrying out socio-economic development policies and basic services in support of the people.
Also during the course of the event, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, special representative of the UN Secretary-General’s and head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, briefed the council on the Secretary-General’s latest report, document S/2021/603. He noted that the peace process in Colombia stands at a critical point nearly five years after the initial signing of its Final Peace Agreement in 2016, a move which formally ended more than 50 years of civil conflict.
He used the platform to urge Colombian society and institutions to view the document as an opportunity which can help to tackle the longstanding issues facing the South American country.
Melissa Herrera, founder and director of the Latin-American civil society group Viva la Vida, described the 2016 peace agreement as a symbol of hope for young Colombians.
Council members welcomed progress made in transitional justice on Colombia’s path towards truth, justice, and reconciliation. However, ,any voiced concern over issues relating to recent social unrest, the deteriorating security situation, as well as a lack of progress on agricultural reform and land use.