UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

59^th session

Interactive dialogue with OHCHR on human rights situation in Colombia

4 July 2025

EU statement 

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for this report, and more generally for the important work the OHCHR is doing in Colombia despite the difficult financial situation. 

The EU has been standing together with Colombia for over two decades on the journey towards lasting peace in the country, anchored in human rights; and we will continue to support the Peace Agreement and its implementation politically, technically, and financially. We commend Colombia’s commitment to human rights and multilateralism, and look forward to the CELAC-EU Summit organised in the country in November. 

We welcome OHCHR’s support to Colombia for the implementation of the recommendations from the Truth Commission, including on the comprehensive rural reform, security and justice, reparations, progress towards dismantling criminal organizations that undermine peacebuilding, advancing transitional justice, and the overall implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Despite many positive steps towards that goal and undeniable good-will from the Government, hurdles remain. The EU is concerned by killings of social leaders, human rights defenders – including environmental and land defenders – and signatories of the Peace Agreement, and by the persistence of impunity and obstacles to access to justice in cases of serious human rights violations and abuses; growing cases of forced recruitment, especially of minors; conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence; and violence and threats against people of African descent and Indigenous Peoples. We also call for the enhanced protection of human rights defenders and social leaders, amongst others.

In order to put an end to the cycle of violence, it remains crucial to continue to address the underlying causes of the conflict, ensure the full protection of human rights throughout Colombia, build a culture of peace and dialogue for conflict resolution, ensure adequate support for the critical work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and integrate the agency of women and girls as well as individuals in a vulnerable situation. 

Ms Kohonen,

What could be some of the main priorities for the Colombian government to focus on before the elections of 2026?

Thank you.