Colombia bears the effects of more than 50 years’ armed conflict, which has cost the lives of several hundred thousands of people, and led to over seven million internally displaced persons, around 80,000 disappearances, countless massacres and sexualised violence. The conflict’s historical causes are founded in the structural inequality which is manifest in the lop-sided land distribution in the country (1% of the population owns 80% of the land).
The 2016 peace agreement between the state and the guerrilla movement, FARC, included initiatives in several key areas: land distribution, the drugs trade, justice during the transitional period and justice for victims. The dream of a lasting peace depends on the rightful distribution of power and resources, which remain concentrated in few hands, and many challenges lie ahead. Powerful, violent interests continue to work against the peace agreement, redistribution of agricultural land, the replacement of illegal coca plantations and democratic change within the country. Civil society organisations have mobilised of late on a broad front, both in the cities and in rural communities, in order to demand implementation of the agreement and citizens’ rights to political participation.
Following the peace process, Colombian society has enjoyed important democratic progress, but political violence and undemocratic conditions remain considerable threats. Trade unions, student groups and dedicated organisations for indigenous peoples, human rights and women are all under heavy pressure, and their elected representatives are exposed to persecution, torture and murder.
Norwegian People’s Aid has been active in Colombia since 2004. We collaborate with organisations that represent indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombians and farmers. A mine clearance programme was also established in 2015.
Norwegian People’s Aid partners in Colombia work for better distribution of resources, real democracy and the inclusion of those who have been worst affected by the conflict. The programme supports partners’ initiatives to strengthen their organisations, including the participation of women and young people, and their ability to mobilise and influence political processes and decisions. Among other things, this involves support for political education – including the history and resistance of indigenous people, human rights, international conventions, management of natural resources, leadership development and knowledge as to how the political system works.
Norwegian People’s Aid helps organisations in the most conflict-prone areas to be included in the processes linked with building the peace and discussions about the country’s future. We help strengthen cooperation between local organisations representing vulnerable groups, and support them in negotiations with the authorities. We also help make our partners and their work and demands more visible by supporting their information work in social media, on local radio stations and elsewhere.