Abu Dhabi (Union)
The United Arab Emirates affirmed support for Colombia’s path towards peace and stability, noting that holding successful presidential elections is the beginning of a new phase in the country’s history, stressing its focus on the political situation, transitional justice and the security situation.
Ambassador Mohamed Boushehab, a member of the country’s delegation to the United Nations, said in a speech before the Security Council that the priority at this critical stage is the full and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, especially guarantees related to gender issues and the protection of the vulnerable, stressing commitment to a survivor-focused approach to achieving reconciliation.
Ambassador Boushehab congratulated Colombia on holding successful presidential elections in June, which mark the beginning of a new phase in Colombia’s history, stressing the UAE’s support for Colombia’s path towards peace and stability.
He said: “We thank the current administration for its efforts in implementing the peace agreement, and we wish the future administration success in building on these efforts in the coming period, and we see at this critical stage the importance of giving priority to the full and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, especially its guarantees related to gender issues and the protection of the vulnerable.”
“We believe that the Special Forum on Gender and the formation of the Peace and Victims Cluster will strengthen and support the implementation of the guarantees of the Agreement,” he added.
Regarding transitional justice, Ambassador Bouchab said: “The commitment to a survivor-centred approach to reconciliation, as well as the progress made by the Truth Commission, including its recent final report, while providing an opportunity for the Colombian people to reflect on their difficult past, its recommendations contribute to charting the path towards a future full of hope for future generations.”
He affirmed support for the committee’s efforts to establish a body that monitors the implementation of these recommendations, as these mechanisms, along with other components of the “comprehensive system”, will contribute to enhancing accountability.
He pointed out that the Committee’s efforts to include girls and young people in these processes is essential, as this enhances their vital role in supporting peace efforts.
On the security front, Ambassador Boushehab expressed the UAE’s concern about the continued violence against civilians, ex-combatants and the security authorities, calling for concrete and urgent steps to be taken to address the violence and ensure that it does not undermine efforts to implement the peace agreement.
He emphasized that sustainable progress in any dialogue efforts would require complementing this with other elements of the agreement, including the full implementation of security guarantees and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups, especially with regard to conflict-affected children.
Concluding his speech before the Security Council, Ambassador Mohamed Boushehab affirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Colombia on its ambitious path towards achieving stability and sustainable peace, expressing full support for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and its efforts in this direction.
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