Context
The Colombian peace process is a symbol of how even long-running violent conflicts can be solved through dialogue and negotiations.
The peace treaty with the Colombian Revolutionary Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) requests Germany’s help in coming to terms with the violent past and having the rights of the victims recognised. Therefore, GIZ primarily lends its support in setting up dialogue forums and promoting cooperation between the state institutions and civil society.
Great challenges face the peace process in Colombia. The complex implementation of the agreement is advancing steadily, but slowly – not least because there is no robust political consensus. The new institutions created for its purpose are struggling for recognition and sufficient resources. New and old armed groups are attempting to gain control over lucrative, illegal businesses (in the fields of coca production and gold mining). As a result, violence against local peace and human rights activists is rising.
To successfully implement the peace agreement, peace has to be established through good governance. Although Colombia possesses a sound legal framework and adequate institutions for transparency and accountability, corruption, authoritarian and informal networks, as well as a fear regarding political participation and denunciation, persist.
The country has several legal mechanisms and forums for citizen participation, such as the citizens’ committees (Juntas de Acción Comunal, JACs), but women and young people still rarely get involved in them. The government is also attempting to promote digital solutions by passing legislation. In rural areas, this largely fails owing to a lack of training and infrastructure for digitalisation and innovation.
Objective
In Columbia, local governmental and non-governmental actors are working together transparently to build peace in their regions.
