The comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement is key to consolidating peace and security in Colombia
The Secretary-General urges all involved to contribute to a campaign environment free of violence and stigmatization
Bogotá, 14 April 2026. In his latest report on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, covering the period between 27 December 2025 to 26 March 2026, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, stressed that “as Colombia has begun its cycle of national elections, it stands at an important political juncture. The moment is propitious to highlight the historic impact of the Final Peace Agreement in expanding the country’s democratic space since 2016.”
The report states that the congressional elections were held in a mostly peaceful environment, and reiterates that, with presidential elections approaching, “ensuring the security of candidates and voters remains essential.” In this context, the Secretary-General urged “all involved to contribute to a campaign environment free of violence and stigmatization” and welcomed the Commitment to a Free and Peaceful Electoral Process led by the Office of the Ombudsperson.
Likewise, the report highlights that “the responsibility of the State for maintaining and advancing the overarching goals of the Final Peace Agreement will soon pass to a new Government and Congress.” In this regard, it recalls that the Final Peace Agreement established a comprehensive roadmap to address the structural causes of conflict and warns that the territories with the greatest implementation gaps are precisely those where acute problems persist today.
Reintegration: a pillar for non-repetition
Almost ten years after the laying down of arms, more than 11,000 men and women remain active in the Comprehensive Reintegration Programme, despite a complex security environment. Providing a sustainable path forward for them is integral to the broader goal of non-repetition of conflict. “The peaceful and productive reintegration of former combatants is central to the success of the Final Peace Agreement and to overall security in the country,” the Secretary-General stated, urging the Government to maintain a strong focus on the implementation of comprehensive policies that ensure their access to land, housing, public services and economic opportunities, with the active participation of former combatants.
The report highlights that, out of the 22 Territorial Areas for Training and Reintegration (TATR) in the country, 19 have formalized land ownership. However, it stresses the need to the increase support for former combatants living outside these areas, who account for 85 per cent.
With respect to political reintegration, the report notes that the Comunes party did not obtain representation in Congress or retain its legal status, and that it reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the Agreement.
Security guarantees: advancing the implementation of measures is essential
The report notes persistent security challenges for former combatants, communities, and social and political leaders. During the reporting period, the Mission verified the killing of four former combatants and nine attempted homicides, bringing the total number of former combatants killed since the signing of the Final Peace Agreement to 491. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights registered 24 allegations of killings of human rights defenders and 32 allegations of massacres, which are currently under verification.
The report points out that the Office of the Ombudsperson strengthened its early warning and risk monitoring capabilities. The protection mechanisms established under the Peace Agreement to respond to risks were also activated, with the support of the Mission.
The Secretary-General reiterated that the Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for addressing many of these persistent challenges and constitutes a key component of an overall security strategy. In addition, he called upon all armed groups to “immediately cease all actions that bring harm and hardship to the civilian population,” and to end the forced recruitment of children, violence against women leaders, former combatants, and members of ethnic communities.
Consolidating progress in the comprehensive rural reform
The report states that the full implementation of the provisions of the Final Peace Agreement will contribute to strengthening State presence in long-neglected territories, unlocking the countryside’s economic potential, and breaking the cycle of violence in rural Colombia by offering alternatives to illicit economies. “Achieving these goals requires coordinated State action,” the Secretary-General noted.
The report highlights concrete progress in land delivery and formalization. According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, by mid-March, a total of 323,579 hectares —out of a total goal of three million set out in the Agreement— were delivered to peasants, rural women, and victims, 86,000 of which have been issued definitive titles of ownership. Regarding land formalization, progress reached 3,905,572 hectares, accounting for 56 per cent of the goal of seven million hectares established under the Peace Agreement. At the same time, the report raises concerns about security risks for beneficiaries of land allocation. The Secretary-General welcomed the February enactment of legislation that extended the implementation timeframe of the development programmes with a territorial focus (PDET) through 2037.
The report will be presented on 21 April 2026, in New York, by Mr. Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
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