Miroslav Jenča, head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, stressed the importance of continuing to implement the 2016 peace agreement between the government and former FARC rebels.

He acknowledged progress in disarmament and the reintegration of former combatants but expressed concern about deteriorating security conditions and the growing activity of illegal armed groups.

His remarks followed the UN Security Council’s decision to extend the verification mission’s mandate for another year, amid political disagreements over the agreement’s implementation and achievements.