Colombia - Security Council, 9391st meeting

Amid Colombia’s ongoing efforts to establish peace with several domestic armed groups, the Security Council today expanded the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in that country to monitor and verify the implementation of a ceasefire between the Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN).

To that end, the Council — through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2694 (2023) — authorized the addition of up to 68 international observers to the Mission, as well as “an appropriate civilian component taking into account existing resources where possible”.

The Council also expressed its willingness to consider mandating the Mission to monitor and verify the implementation of a ceasefire between the Government and Estado Mayor Central (EMC) upon confirmation that such agreement has been reached.

In addition, the Council welcomed the Secretary-General’s proposals to incorporate reporting on the additional tasks and to keep the 15-member organ abreast of the situation on the ground, including how the ceasefire contributes to the improvement of the humanitarian situation in conflict-affected areas.

Identical letters dated 19 January 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2016/53)