24 October 2024 marks 79 years since the United Nations officially came into existence. Over the past 4 decades, the UN has played a pivotal role in advancing human rights globally and promoting multilateral cooperation on issues like peace, security, human rights and development.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was the first in-country office to be established in Colombia. It has been of immense importance over the years and has played a particularly significant role in Colombia in supporting Civil Society Organisations and promoting human rights through the most difficult years of conflict in Colombia.

The OHCHR opened its office in Colombia in 1997, its role includes technical assistance and monitoring, it works to strengthen capacity in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights with both the State and civil society. It currently has nine sub-offices across the country as well as an office in Bogotá.

It also plays an important role alongside the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Mission of Verification in Colombia. In November 2016, the OHCHR was given additional responsibilities on a wide range of human rights-related components that were included in the 2016 Peace Accord. This includes monitoring and reporting on public policies for the dismantling of criminal organisations and protecting human rights defenders, security for former FARC combatants, case reviews of detained FARC members, and accompanying victims in their search for truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

The UNSC has also supported the Colombian peace process following the signing of a peace agreement between the Government and the FARC-EP. The first UN Mission in Colombia was established by UNSC Resolution 2261 (2016) on 25 January 2016, with a mandate to monitor and verify the laying down of arms, a definitive bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. On 26 September 2017, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) started its activities, immediately upon the conclusion of the mandate of the first UN Mission in Colombia. This was followed by a Special Political Mission to verify the Final Peace Agreement’s implementation and assist Colombia in its commitment to ending the conflict and building peace.

Under the leadership of Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UNVMC has been at the forefront of monitoring and verifying the implementation of key aspects of the Peace Accord:

• Section 3.2 on the reintegration of former combatants of FARC-EP in economic, social and political matters;
• Section 3.4 on security guarantees for individuals in the process of reintegration and communities and organisations across the countries;

Through UNSC Resolution 2574 (2021), the mandate was amplified to include an additional task, namely the verification of compliance with and implementation of the restorative sentences of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

• Section 5.1.2 on the restorative sentences imposed by the Special Jurisdiction of Peace;

In 2023 the mandate was further increased via USNSC Resolution 2673 (2023), which mandated the Mission to verify the implementation of the following chapters of the Peace Accord:  

• Section 1 on comprehensive rural reform;
• Section 6.2 on the Ethnic Chapter of the Final Agreement (Peace Accord).

Further commitment to establishing Total Peace in Colombia has been shown by the UNSC’s willingness to monitor and verify new Peace Talks established with the guerrilla group the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN). UNSC Resolution 2694 (2023) authorized the UNVMC to monitor and verify the implementation of the ceasefire as outlined in the Second Cuba Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the ELN. The UNVMC is also part of the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism alongside the Colombian Episcopal Conference.

International verification is a powerful mechanism for upholding human rights, and the UNVMC’s independent role adds crucial credibility to Colombia’s peace process. Beyond the UNVMC, the contributions of other UN entities further bolster Colombia’s transition to a post-conflict society. These organisations are instrumental in promoting transitional justice, human rights monitoring and socioeconomic development. The UN’s presence in Colombia has historically not only monitored compliance but has also acted as a deterrent against potential abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and excessive use of force. By ensuring the Colombian government adheres to its commitments, the UN’s influence plays a critical role in shaping a just and peaceful society.

The UN’s contributions to human rights and peace in Colombia are vast. As 79 years of the UN is celebrated, it is essential to recognise its important role in safeguarding peace and advancing human rights in the country. International support for Colombia’s peace process must be sustained – despite much progress, challenges remain, and a continued partnership with the UN is vital for ensuring that Colombia’s peace is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in respect for human rights. The UN presence in Colombia is critical as the country continues on the path towards lasting peace.