“The 6-point agenda needs to translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of people, and a lasting peace. Never has the public trust in the peace process been greater,” said Christian Visnes, NRC Country Director in Colombia.
One of the 6 points is focused on compensation for victims of war. The attention given to victims represents hope for displaced persons. 6.8 million Colombians are internally displaced; hundreds of thousands have become refugees in neighbouring countries.
“While we congratulate Colombia on this important step, we are also reminded that there is a long way to go. It is time to walk the talk. The affected population need to feel the immediate positive impacts. A failure to do so, on the other hand, would threaten the comprehensive progress already made,” said Christian Visnes.
NRC has been present in Colombia since 1991, assisting Colombians fleeing their homes due to conflict. The humanitarian needs for millions of displaced remains dire. 6.8 million Colombians have fled their homes due to conflict, and displacement continues. Last week, NRC responded to a new wave of displacement in the department of Norte de Santander. NRC’s experience will be in much demand when trying to building peace.
NRC urges donors not to hold back support during this fragile phase. The work of building peace needs to start immediately. Its success will depend not only on the commitment of the negotiating parties, but also on support from the international community. As an international organization our commitment will continue to seek to complement and support state efforts.
The 6-point plan includes economic and social development of rural areas and provision of land to poor farmers, political participation of rebels, illegal drugs trade, transitional justice, ceasefire, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration and the realization of the rights of millions of victims.
“People cannot wait any longer. Children and young people are getting used to the conflict and we urgently need to take them away from that reality”, said Nayibe Perez, Emergency Coordinator - Norte de Santander.
Note to editors:
Photos of NRC’s work in Colombia are available here for free use: (link https://nrc.smugmug.com/Press/AgreementReachedinColombia/)
If you want interviews or more information, please contact:
Christian Visnes, NRC Country Director Colombia +57 3134223614, christian.visnes@nrc.no or Richard Skretteberg, Senior Adviser, NRC, richard.skretteberg@nrc.no, +47 95 04 14 96
In Colombia, Oscar Rodríguez, Head of Programs – NRC +57 3134223613, oscar.rodriguez@nrc.no
