On 21 and 22 September, during his visit to Antioquia's capital, he met with departmental and local authorities, the security forces, civil society representatives, signatories to the peace agreement in the process of reintegration, and staff from the UN Verification Mission, among others.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, met with the Mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, and discussed the importance of cities and regions in the context of peace, security, and development in Colombia. He highlighted that, following the meeting, he values the efforts by the Medellín City Council toward reintegration and providing safeguards for the signatories to the peace agreement.
With the Governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, the Special Representative discussed, amongst other topics, public-private partnerships which, through the ‘Works for Taxes’ scheme, channel investment into areas affected by the conflict, as well as the importance of security and the State’s comprehensive presence.
Jenča also met with commanders of the Seventh Division and the Fourth Brigade of the National Army to discuss the challenges and dynamics of conflict in Antioquia and Chocó, and the comprehensive protection of communities and regions where peace signatories also live. “Guaranteeing security in these territories is a pillar of the Peace Agreement,” he noted.
He also listened to delegates from civil society organisations in Antioquia and the Ombudsman’s Office, who shared their assessment of the security situation and its impact on the rights of local communities, and agreed on the importance of continuing to implement the Peace Agreement.
During his visit to Medellín, he met with the city’s peace signatories, where they discussed the challenges of ensuring the sustainability of reintegration and the commitment demonstrated today – 10 years after the signing of the Peace Agreement – by those who laid down their arms, whilst calling for greater government and public support for their work.
The Special Representative met with the Mission’s team in Antioquia and highlighted their commitment and coordination with communities, victims, peace signatories, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society organisations, which make verification of the Agreement in the region possible.
Elizabeth Yarce Ospina
Public Information Officer
Medellín Regional Office of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia
Photographs: Elizabeth Yarce and courtesy of Medellín City Council and the Antioquia Regional Government.
