National Statement by Sweden at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Colombia

Madam President,

En primer lugar quisiera en nombre del Gobierno de Suecia expresar nuestras más sinceras condolencias al Gobierno y al pueblo colombiana, por la trágica pérdida de vidas en Putumayo. Estamos con ustedes en este momento difícil; nuestra Embajada en Bogotá, y el Gobierno Sueco, están dispuestos a ayudarle en todo lo posible.

Quiero también extender mi más sincero pésame personal. Hace casi veinte años, yo viví en Putumayo trabajando por el ACNUIR. He pasado mucho tiempo Mocoa y tengo queridos amigos allí. Por eso sé también que su gente enfrentará este reto con su incomparable espíritu humano, el espíritu colombiano.

Madam President, turning to the topic of today's meeting,

I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jean Arnault for his briefing. Sweden has a longstanding commitment to peace in Colombia, and strongly supports the work of this United Nations' Mission.

We commend the strong commitment of the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP to the peace process, and their continuous efforts to overcome challenges to the full implementation of the Peace Agreement. In this regard, we welcome the recent adoption by the Colombian senate on the special jurisdiction for peace which will be crucial in the further implementation of the Final Peace Accord. These historic steps forward are testament to the resilience of the peace process and commitment of the parties.

We particularly welcome the strong focus on child protection and the full engagement of women in the Peace Agreement in Colombia, serving as a model for other peace processes. The agreement sets guiding principles for the best interest of the child, with a focus on the treatment of separated children as victims, a gender-sensitive approach and a focus on family and community-based reintegration. The full and active inclusion of women in the peace process, and the inclusion of women's groups in its implementation, will also help ensure that this gender-sensitive approach is maintained.

Madam President,

The Peace Agreement marked a new beginning for Colombia. It is important that the international community stands behind a committed and sustained effort to support the peace process, so that it can rapidly deliver tangible peace dividends for the people of Colombia. This is a unique opportunity for peace in Colombia, and opportunity that must not be missed

Thank you