Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
UK commended for its role as penholder for Colombia at the UNSC.
Conclusion
The UK is to be commended for its role as penholder for Colombia at the United Nations Security Council and continuing to push for stability in a volatile region. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's commendation, detailing its ongoing commitment as penholder, support for the 2016 Peace Agreement, and significant diplomatic and financial engagement in Colombia, including over £80 million in programming since 2015 and leadership in renewing the UN Verification Mission mandate.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree. 36. As penholder on Colombia, HMG remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement as the foundation for lasting peace. Sustainable peace in Colombia requires long-term commitment, including continued international support. We continue to support Colombia’s efforts through diplomatic engagement and multilateral coordination. UK-drafted press statements on Colombia have helped drive further progress on Peace Agreement implementation, advanced Colombia’s Women, Peace and Security Action Plan, and shone a spotlight on threats to human rights activists including LGBTQ+ persons. The UK penned the establishment and subsequent renewals of the mandate of Special Political Missions in Colombia (the UN Verification Mission–UNVM). HMG considers the UNVM as a key part of our commitment to peace in Colombia at the multilateral level. We are therefore pleased that the UK-led renewal of its mandate was agreed on 31 October 2025, continuing the UN’s clear support behind lasting peace in the country. 37. HMG works closely with likeminded partners on peace and human rights issues in Colombia, including through supporting the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund. The UK is the second largest donor after Norway, and in Colombia the Fund focuses on areas such as strengthening state presence in conflict-affected areas, supporting victims and transitional justice, and improving communication about the peace process. Collectively, we have made significant progress with the Colombian government and civil society, particularly on women peace and security, and transitional justice issues. Through HMG programming we have committed over £80 million since 2015.