New york: Angola presented on Friday at the United Nations headquarters in New York the experience of the Commission for Reconciliation in Memory of the Victims of Political Conflicts (CIVICOP) as an example of national reconciliation and peacebuilding. The experience was presented by the Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, Francisco Jos© da Cruz, during the Annual Session of the Peacebuilding Commission, held as part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture.
According to Angola Press News Agency, in his intervention, the ambassador highlighted the commission's contribution to promoting social cohesion and stability. The diplomat stated that Angola's trajectory demonstrates the importance of national ownership, inclusive dialogue, and partnerships sustained in conflict prevention and the promotion of stability.
According to Francisco Jos© da Cruz, after decades of conflict, the country consolidated peace through the strengthening of institutions, national reconstruction, and the implementation of initiatives aimed at reconciliation and the preservation of collective memory. In this context, he highlighted the work carried out by CIVICOP in locating, identifying, and delivering the remains of victims of the political conflicts that occurred between 1975 and 2002 to their respective families.
He considered that the process allowed for dignified funeral ceremonies and constituted an important gesture of recognition, respect, and solidarity towards thousands of citizens affected by the political conflicts. He added that the initiative reinforces trust among citizens, preserves collective memory, and contributes to strengthening national unity, based on the principles of human dignity, inclusion, and respect for victims.
During the session, the Permanent Representative also suggested greater international investment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, underlining the need for more integrated and sustainable action by the United Nations in support of the priorities defined by States. Francisco Jos© da Cruz reiterated that the most lasting results are achieved when international responses complement national efforts and are maintained beyond the immediate post-conflict phases.
In addressing future prospects, he reaffirmed the commitment to continue promoting preventive diplomacy, inclusive dialogue and the sharing of experiences with countries in the process of post-conflict recovery.
Also on Thursday, during the Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, Francisco Jos© da Cruz highlighted the progress made in implementing the United Nations agenda for the protection of children, including the release of more than 220,000 minors previously associated with armed forces and groups. The diplomat, however, expressed concern about the persistence of serious violations against children in conflict scenarios, especially in Africa, advocating for the strengthening of their protection and the accountability of the perpetrators of these violations.
In marking the 30th anniversary of the Children and Armed Conflict agenda, Angola called for increased political, technical and financial support from the international community. He reiterated that the protection of children must remain at the center of international efforts to promote peace and security and reaffirmed the country's commitment to defending the rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.
