Between 26 and 27 July 2026, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, visited Chocó to gain first-hand insight into the progress and challenges involved in implementing the Final Peace Agreement in one of the territories most affected by the armed conflict. During his visit to Quibdó, he held meetings with peace signatories, civil and military authorities, ethnic organisations, the Catholic Church and the Ombudsman’s Office, reaffirming the Verification Mission’s commitment to supporting the communities and institutions working to consolidate a sustainable peace.
In Quibdó, Miroslav Jenča spoke with peace signatories who are driving forward a fish farming project, an initiative that has been running for almost six years thanks to the collective effort and perseverance of its members. Highlighting their experience, he stressed that “their commitment to reintegration demonstrates that, even in complex contexts, progress is possible when there is perseverance, collective effort and a firm commitment to implementing the Peace Agreement”. He also emphasised that consolidating these efforts requires legal safeguards, improved infrastructure and sustained institutional support to strengthen reintegration processes in the long term.
The agenda also included meetings with the commander of the National Army’s 15th Brigade, representatives of the Chocó Inter-Ethnic Solidarity Forum (FISCH), and discussions with the Social Pastoral Care Office of the Diocese of Quibdó and the Ombudsman’s Office. These meetings provided an opportunity to analyse the complex humanitarian and security situation facing the department, as well as the need to strengthen protection measures for communities and for those working to implement the Agreement. In this context, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia reiterated that “coordination between institutions and organisations is essential to protect the civilian population”, and reaffirmed the United Nations’ partnership with the Church and the Ombudsman’s Office to continue supporting the most vulnerable communities.
At the conclusion of his visit, Miroslav Jenča acknowledged the commitment of the Verification Mission team in Chocó, whose day-to-day work supports the efforts of communities, institutions and local stakeholders to advance the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The visit reaffirmed that strengthening reintegration, security guarantees and dialogue with local stakeholders remains essential to protecting the civilian population and consolidating a more inclusive and sustainable peace in the department.
