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Reintegration – The path to peace.

The Democratic Security Policy is enabling Colombia to carry out one of the largest demobilization processes in the history of Latin America. More than 50,000 Colombians are returning to civilian life from armed groups including FARC, ELN and the United Defense Forces of Colombia. These illegal groups have operated since the Seventies in the case of the guerrillas, and since 1981 in that of the paramilitaries.

Conditions in Colombia are improving steadily creating the necessary environment for an effective transition to peace and a successful reintegration of the demobilized population. In order to achieve those objectives, the National Government, through the Presidential High Council for Reintegration, has designed a long-term reintegration strategy which treats Colombia´s most marginalized citizens fairly and with respect. The strategy requires commitment and effort both from those who are demobilized and from Colombians in general in order to build the country everyone wishes for.

The large majority of people who are in the process of reintegration today need to rebuild relationships, understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities, and learn how to resolve conflict non-violently. They need to develop skills which allow them to enjoy a good quality of life within the law. This is achieved through psychological counseling and attention in the areas of health and education.

Additionally, in order that members of this group will be able to generate their own income in the future, through Work Training and the Socialization Programme participants acquire skills to enable them to enter the job market with confidence.

Aware of the important role that business plays in peacebuilding, the National Government has also designed a set of mechanisms through which the private sector can participate such as offering work experience, apprenticeships, business plans, employment, the Time Bank and Investment Fund for Social Security Benefits.

Reintegration is the responsibility of everyone so we can achieve a future for Colombia which promises greater development and progress.