United Nations calls for efforts to ensure economic future for Colombia ex-rebels

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press as he arrives in Colombia to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in Bogota, Colombia November 22, 2021. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

BOGOTA (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday he celebrates the advances made to implement Colombia's 2016 peace deal with the demobilized FARC rebels, but added efforts must be redoubled to sustain economic opportunities for ex-combatants.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace deal with the government in 2016, resulting in the demobilization of some 13,000 members, including 7,000 combatants.