24 June 2016: UN leaders hailed the bilateral ceasefire agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) as a crucial step in ending the 52-year conflict in the region, and lauded the role played by Cuba, Norway and Venezuela in the peace talks.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attended the signing of the ceasefire agreement and laying down of weapons in Havana, Cuba, on 23 June 2016. He welcomed the event as “an exemplary implementation of peace.” The peace process has been under way since 2012 through peace talks hosted in Havana, on issues including political participation, land rights, illicit drugs, and victims’ rights and transitional justice. Ban noted that the UN Security Council and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) have committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, and that resources are needed for monitoring and verification activities during the final phase of the negotiations.
During his Havana visit, Ban met with the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, to discuss ongoing preparations for deploying the UN Mission in Colombia. He also met with FARC-EP commander Timoleón Jiménez to discuss the transition of FARC-EP militia into civilian life. He urged all concerned to ensure that the peace commitments that have been in development since 2012 will become a reality, fulfilling the hopes of all who have been involved in the process.
UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft also attended the signing of the ceasefire agreement. Lykketoft said he is optimistic that “justice will be done” for those who have suffered in the conflict, and he congratulated the Government of Colombia and the FARC leadership for their achievement in reaching agreement. UN Security Council President François Delattre (France) and leaders of several Latin American countries also attended the signing ceremony in Havana.
Others who welcomed the ceasefire agreement included Irina Bokova, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General, and Jessica Faieta, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Bokova declared UNESCO’s readiness to cooperate with the Government of Colombia in the peace process, highlighting the organization’s work in promoting a culture of peace, quality education, the teaching of history and the full enjoyment of freedom of expression and the press. Faieta said that peace is “a crucial first step for sustainable development,” and opens space to consolidate democratic governance and expand access to quality public services. [UN Press Release] [Statement of UNGA President] [Press Release from Office of UNGA President] [UNESCO Press Release] [Statement of UNDP Director for Latin America and the Caribbean]