Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Madam Vice President,
New Zealand appreciates the report on technical cooperation in Colombia. As a co-sponsor the resolution that underpins this mandate, we express our full support for both the findings and recommendations contained in the report.
New Zealand commends the meaningful progress Colombia has made, and endorses the areas identified where continued support is needed.
Technical assistance provided by the OHCHR has had a significant impact to date, and has the potential to drive further meaningful progress toward the full implementation of the recommendations by the Truth Commission.
However, we are concerned by the impact of the liquidity situation on OHCHR’s work with Colombia. Without adequate resourcing, these efforts risk stalling at a crucial juncture. This report comes at a time when Colombia and its people need continued support from the international community.
New Zealand is pleased to reaffirm our support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement through a recent contribution of $145,000 NZD to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Sustaining Peace in Colombia.
Alongside previous commitments, we hope this contribution will assist in reducing the human rights effects of conflict and help build lasting peace among communities.
Finally, we echo the report’s call for redoubled efforts in implementing the recommendations of the Truth Commission.
High Commissioner, how can the international community, help re-intensify efforts to achieve this?
Thank you.