Canada Strengthens Peace Process in Colombia

November 8, 2013 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today announced Canada’s continued support for the ongoing peace process in Colombia.

“I am pleased to announce an additional contribution to support peace in Colombia—a key partner for Canada,” said Minister of State Yelich. “We are committed to working with the Organization of American States [OAS] on this project, which addresses key areas of the peacebuilding process: disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as monitoring of the land restitution effort.”

Canada is a lead donor to the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia. The contribution announced today builds on previous contributions totalling $8.6 million and will allow the mission to continue its work on key areas of Colombia’s peace process.

Today’s additional funding of $1 million underscores Canada’s engagement in Colombia on peace and security. It supports our Strategy for Engagement in the Americas aimed at increasing mutual economic opportunity, strengthening security and institutions and fostering lasting relationships with partners throughout our hemisphere.

Launched in 2004, the OAS mission plays an essential role in monitoring the implementation of peace accords in Colombia.  Negotiations with the FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, passed another important milestone with the announcement of a partial agreement on political participation, demonstrating that it is more important than ever that the mission have a solid field presence and stand ready to support the next phase in the Colombian peace process.

To learn more about Canada’s relationship with Colombia, visit Canada-Colombia Relations.

To learn more about Canada’s engagement in the Americas, visit The Americas: Our Neighbours, Our Priority.

A backgrounder follows.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Adria Minsky
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
613-944-1291
Adria.Minsky@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada

Backgrounder – Project: Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia

Implementing partner: Organization of American States (OAS)
Funding: $1 million in fiscal year 2013–14
Time frame: December 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014

Canada’s Global Peace and Security Program is providing $1 million to the OAS to support its continued work in Colombia’s ongoing peace process. With Canada’s support, the mission will carry out a variety of activities including monitoring the land restitution process; implementing the justice and peace law framework; building links between communities and government officials; monitoring for the recruitment of child soldiers; security analysis and monitoring; and gender advocacy and peace building through the promotion of local dialogue.