Lessons from Colombia’s 2016 Peace Agreement: What Can Pakistan Learn?

In Colombia the conflict between the government and the rebel group FARC which lasted for nearly 52 year's claimed the lives of over 200,000 people and displaced millions.The peace agreement reached in November 2016 is considered one of the successful peace process of the modern era.

several factors contributed to this success.Neutral guarantors ,such as Cuba and Norway helped maintain trust through out negotiations.Victims were also given a voice in the process.The agreement incorporated a system of transitional justice which included the establishment of a truth commission and special tribunal ensuring a balance between justice and reconciliation.Former combatants were also provided with the opportunity to integrate in to the political main stream.

However the journey was not easy an initial version of the agreement was rejected in a referendum and even subsequently challenges persisted including attacks on former combatants and social leaders as well as the continued presence of other armed groups.

For Pakistan the lesson is that negotiations the inclusion of victim's rehabilitation and political integration are equally vital for achieving lasting peace while the context of every conflict differs the Colombian experience demonstrates that even the most protected wars can be brought to an end through dialogue.