Participation of civil society in the Colombian peace process

One of the differentiating elements in the peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army is the participation of civil society. The Colombian population has traditionally not been an active agent in the process, but has played a key role by establishing a framework for the process and participating in the implementation of the agreements. In recent talks Colombian society has called for its voice to be heard in the peacebuilding process. This, however, is not an easy task, particularly in a society such as Colombia’s, with its extreme polarisation and wide range of varied social and political expressions that are not always compatible.