Document of analysis in which the current situation of land, a central issue within the conflict, is described. It presents issues such as land concentration; land restitution policy; and current policy on development and trade.
Colombia is a country with a high level of land concentration, which is under-used for agricultural purposes. This concentration is due to historical reasons and has been increased and assisted by the armed conflict, which has contributed to high rates of dispossession and forced displacement. Today, Colombia and Sudan have the highest number of internally displaced people in the world. In light of this situation the present government has adopted a policy of land restitution. However, this policy has significant limitations and to date has not been as effective as was hoped. Meanwhile, impunity for this crime is almost complete and displacement continues. In addition, the Colombian government’s current policy on development and trade, based on “megaprojects” could strengthen and deepen further dispossession and land concentration. The issue of land, central to the Colombian armed conflict, is currently on the agenda of the peace negotiations.
