The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Parliamentary question about the support for the territorial approach to ‘total peace’ in Colombia

We would like to thank MEP Leire Pajín for her commitment to human rights and peace in Colombia. It is important that Colombian civil society can know more in detail what the EU’s support for peace in Colombia means in order to be able to contribute their view and evaluation of it.

Here is the full text of the question presented by the MEP on 02 July, which can be found on the website of the European Parliament at this link. From the social organisations we will be waiting and monitoring the response of the European Commission.

Support for the territorial approach to ‘total peace’ in Colombia

The EU is committed to peace in Colombia. The European Peace Facility has supported the efforts of the Colombian Government with EUR 135 million between 2016 and 2024, covering 26 departments and 181 municipalities, particularly those most impacted by the violence. In March 2024, the Commission announced a new contribution of EUR 2.5 million to support territorial dialogues within the framework of the ‘total peace’ policy and to promote potential new investments under the Global Gateway.

The department of Nariño is a good example of the peace-building process. Thanks to a comprehensive territorial focus and inclusive dialogues, significant advances have been made in Nariño, both in terms of disarmament and in the transition away from illegal trade (including gold mining, coca cultivation, port activities and fishing). The economic transition remains one of the biggest challenges.

In view of the above:

  1. What specific projects is the Commission supporting to encourage the implementation of the ‘total peace’ policy at territorial level and the economic transition in departments such as Nariño?
  2. What tools is the Commission using to ensure that investments supported using EU funds contribute to a lasting peace and inclusive socioeconomic development in the aforementioned regions?

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