Explanation of Vote delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, on behalf of the A3+, during Adoption of Mandate Extension of United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

Thank you, Madam President,  

We welcome the participation of His Excellency, Mr Luis Gilberto Murillo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in today’s meeting.

The A3+, namely, Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and my own country Guyana welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2754 (2024) on the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, and thanks the United Kingdom for its dedicated efforts in delivering a consensus text.

The unanimous adoption today demonstrates the Council’s continued commitment to supporting the Government and people of Colombia to implement the 2016 Final Peace Agreement and achieve stable and lasting peace. 

As the Peace Agreement is approaching its 8th year of implementation, the progress achieved thus far is commendable. The A3+ believes Colombia remains a success story in progress even with the challenges still to be surmounted. However, to maintain and accelerate this progress, efforts must be intensified, including to enhance coordination at all levels, which we hope will be achieved through the recent rapid response plan.

Madam President,

Having expressed our concern about the implementation of the ethnic chapter on a number of occasions, we welcome the inclusion of language that underlines the importance of implementing the Chapter as a critical aspect of the Peace Agreement and hope that more impetus would be given to its implementation.

We also welcome the inclusion of language on Women, Peace and Security which would allow the referral of victims and survivors, including from sexual and gender-based violence to have safe and accessible assistance. Additionally, we are pleased for the inclusion of language that acknowledges the participation of women in the peace process in Colombia as well as the impact of the conflict on children. 

In closing, Madam President, the A3+ takes this opportunity to reiterate our unwavering support to the Verification Mission, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu. We commend him and his team in Colombia for their very important work. Their support to the people and Government of Colombia, as they continue to implementation of the Peace Agreement is crucial to lasting peace in Colombia. 

I thank you.