UN Secretary General highlights the resilience of Colombian institutions and society and the continued relevance of the Peace Agreement to promote security, development and territorial stabilization
Bogotá, 8 October 2026. In his most recent report on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, covering the period from 27 June to 26 September 2026, Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the events during the period highlighted “both the resilience of Colombian institutions and society and the continued relevance of the Final Peace Agreement for advancing security, development and territorial stabilization.”
Referring to the new political chapter that the country is entering, after a peaceful democratic transition, the Secretary-General stressed that the new government is the third to inherit institutions, commitments and progress made possible by the Final Peace Agreement. The Secretary-General noted that, although the Government has not yet outlined its approach to implementation, it has expressed its intention to comply with the Constitution and legal obligations arising from the Final Peace Agreement. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in its implementation and strengthening its institutional framework, the Secretary-General added: “The years ahead will be pivotal to consolidate progress achieved to date and fully leverage the opportunities afforded.”
“The implementation of the Final Peace Agreement”, António Guterres added, “can contribute to the achievement of a range of the priorities of the Government, such as the reduction of violence and the extension of State presence. I welcome the openness demonstrated by the Government to dialogue with the United Nations and trust that continued engagement between the Government and the Mission, with full respect for the sovereignty of Colombia and the mandate provided by the Security Council, will enhance complementarity between their work”.
Comprehensive rural reform, a key element to contribute to peace and security
The Verification Mission in Colombia monitors the implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Reform chapter of the Peace Agreement, which António Guterres highlighted for its potential to contribute significantly to consolidating peace and security, through provisions that expand State presence, strengthen economic development and address the conditions that sustain illicit economies. The report highlighted that the development programmes with a territorial focus provide an established framework through which targeted interventions can be advanced in the municipalities most affected by conflict, poverty and institutional weakness.
The report noted the role of the “works for taxes” initiative, established following the Peace Agreement, in encouraging private investment in conflict-affected regions.
During the reporting period, the Government announced a comprehensive review of land delivery, restitution and tenure formalization efforts. For their part, peasant and civil society sectors have stressed the importance of consolidating gains on access to land and called for dialogue with the new authorities.
Among the challenges of the Comprehensive Rural Reform, the report points to the delays in the operationalization of the Agrarian Jurisdiction and the continuing insecurity faced by land beneficiaries.
Reintegration, key to promoting stability and development in territories
The report highlighted the fact that more than 11,000 former combatants have remained engaged in the reintegration process as one of the most significant achievements on the path to peace. The report noted that this reflects the sustained efforts of national and local institutions and communities. Security guarantees for former combatants and socioeconomic opportunities are essential to consolidating the reintegration process. The Secretary-General stressed that “ensuring its adequate funding and sustainability remains critical to preventing the recurrence of violence, deterring recruitment by armed groups and sustaining confidence in the peace process.”
The report also highlighted the institutional architecture for reintegration, strengthened through the Final Peace Agreement and informed by decades of national experience, as a key framework for safeguarding progress, responding to challenges and maintaining the confidence and engagement of former combatants. Stressing the importance of ensuring continuity of reintegration processes under the institutional framework, the Verification Mission has conveyed to the Government its concerns about the funding situation and uncertainty regarding the responsible entity.
Security Guarantees, essential to curbing violence
Insecurity in conflict-affected regions and violence against social leaders, ethnic communities and former combatants remain a major concern for the Secretary-General. The report highlights how the Peace Agreement provides concrete tools to strengthen the protection of these populations and improve overall security, underscoring the close relationship between development, security and peace.
During the period, the Mission verified the killing of eight former FARC-EP combatants—six of them in August—bringing the total this year to 13 people. Although the level of lethal violence remains lower compared with previous years, there have been 15 attempted homicides in 2026, compared to five in 2025. Since the signing of the Final Peace Agreement, the Mission has verified 501 killings of former combatants, as well as 185 attempted homicides and 56 enforced disappearances. The Office of the Ombudsperson documented 1,173 cases of child recruitment between 2024 and July 2026.
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), between 27 June and 30 August, 5,600 people were displaced and 4,400 were confined across 15 municipalities in seven departments. Meanwhile, between 27 June and 26 September, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 40 reports of killings of social leaders in 17 departments.
The security of women, including leaders and former combatants, continued to be a challenge in conflict-affected regions. The report notes that the recent adoption of the Comprehensive Programme of Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders as public policy contributes to strengthening the institutional framework for their protection.
Resilience and solidarity
The Secretary-General once again expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the 10 August earthquake, he highlighted the solidarity shown in the wake of the earthquake, which underscored the strength of Colombian society and its ability to come together in support of those most affected.
The United Nations country team supported humanitarian response and early recovery planning, and the Mission made its field presence and logistical capabilities available to the authorities as part of these efforts.
Finally, the Secretary General highlighted that “a sustained international engagement will be essential for accompanying Colombian-led efforts to overcome remaining obstacles, deepen the gains achieved to date and build a more peaceful and secure future for all Colombians.” The Verification Mision remains steadfast in its commitment to support these efforts in close coordination with national and international partners, and consistent with the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council.
The report will be presented to the United Nations Security Council in New York on 12 October 2026 by Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
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