UNHCR welcomes definitive bilateral ceasefire in Colombia

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UNHCR welcomes definitive bilateral ceasefire in Colombia

High Commissioner António Guterres calls on the Colombian government and FARC rebels to do everything possible to reduce the impact of the conflict.

By Milton Moreno;

13 November 2015 Also available in:

Diana, an internally displaced person, attends to a shelter at Altos de la Florida, Colombia.

GENEVA, Nov 13 (UNHCR) - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres has welcomed the announcement by the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to establish a bilateral and definitive cease-fire in the coming weeks.

The High Commissioner also encourages the two parties to do everything possible to reduce the impact of the conflict, which has resulted in displacement and suffering for many Colombians.

The UN refugee agency reiterates its offer of support to the negotiating parties in their discussions aimed at restoring and guaranteeing the rights of displaced people and refugees.

UNHCR also wishes to highlight the importance of the peace agreement to guarantee the rights of victims in general and internally displaced people and refugees in particular - including their access to durable solutions - as the best way to restore their rights.

UNHCR reaffirms its commitment to assist with the successful conclusion of the peace process and acknowledges the important efforts being made in this regard by President Juan Manuel Santos and the people of Colombia.