The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace efforts in Colombia during a recent briefing at the UN Security Council. The U.S. highlighted the ongoing challenges in implementing Colombia's Peace Accords, initially backed by the U.S. in 2016.
"While there has been advancement in some areas of the agreement, structural issues remain unaddressed and threaten to undermine progress made to date, and in the long run, sustainable peace for all Colombians," stated a spokesperson.
This year has seen a significant rise in violence from illegal armed groups across Colombia, notably in the Catatumbo region in the north, where over 100 deaths and the displacement of more than 64,000 people have been recorded since mid-January.
"The level of attacks against former combatants increased, with 18 former combatants killed, from December 2024 to March 2025, up from five in the previous three months," the statement indicated. The U.S. is wary of violence spreading further within Colombia.
The U.S. also expressed concerns over the safety of women and children, who are particularly impacted by the violence, as well as the ongoing recruitment of children by armed groups.
Regarding the "Total Peace" policy, the U.S. noted its lack of measurable success. The fragmentation of armed groups, their misuse of negotiations, and increased coca production remain issues. The limited state presence in northern Colombia complicates efforts to curb violence and illegal drug trafficking.
"It is imperative that we intensify our efforts to expand economic opportunities for communities and reduce their dependence on illicit crops," said the spokesperson.
Cautious about the Colombian government's talks with U.S.-designated terrorist and criminal organizations, the U.S. insists on these groups demonstrating sincere intentions toward peace and ceasing illicit activities.
Additionally, the U.S. underscores the need for urgency in transitional justice processes, emphasizing a security strategy to press illegal groups into good-faith negotiations and prevent impunity.
Eight years on, more work is necessary to fulfill the Peace Accords' objectives. The United States pledges to continue monitoring these efforts and collaborating with the United Nations and other council members for peace and security in Colombia.