UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Colombian government and the FARC to begin implementing the peace agreement to avoid violence.
While the statement “congratulates all who participated constructively in the dialogue that led to the new agreement,” it does not gloss over the delicacy of the delay in implementation, caused by the rejection of an initial deal by Colombia’s voters on October 2.
Colombian government and FARC rebels sign revised peace deal
The violent incidents that have taken place recently in conflict-affected areas underscore the relevance of many of the commitments contained in the agreement and the urgency of putting them into effect.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Since October 2, the military allegedly assassinated two FARC guerrillas, a breach of the ceasefire, while human rights defenders have been subjected to a surge in assassinations and attacks.
Colombia military assassinated FARC guerrillas, breached ceasefire: local eyewitnesses
In his statement, the UN chief “reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support” to Colombia as it attempts to achieve an end to the 52-year conflict that has caused the lives of more than 265,000 Colombians.
The UN is responsible for the verification and monitoring of the bilateral ceasefire agreed between the warring parties, and the effective demobilization and disarmament of the FARC.