Bogotá, 16 January 2018. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia profoundly regrets the events which occurred today in Quibdó, Chocó, in which a child died and another was wounded after they were hit by a Mission vehicle as it returned from a meeting in the city. 

The Mission wishes to express to the family its sincerest condolences.  It is taking steps to support the family members and to cooperation with the relevant investigations by the local Colombian authorities:  the National Police and the Office of the Attorney General.

The Mission is deploying a team from its Bogotá headquarters to its regional office in Quibdó, headed by the Deputy Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, to respond to the situation. 

The Mission reiterates its commitment to the communities where it undertakes its activities. 

*********