Colombia Makes Significant Progress in Reparations for Victims of Paramilitarism

This Monday, September 16, 2024, the National Land Agency (ANT) and the Care and Reparation Unit for Victims (UARIV) announced significant progress in the reparations process for victims of paramilitarism in Colombia.

Felipe Harman, the director of the ANT, and Lilia Solano, the director of the UARIV, revealed the first massive purchase of land with the intention of compensating the victims of paramilitary groups during a press conference.

This purchase, which includes 18,000 hectares for an amount of 175 billion pesos, is a milestone in the implementation of agricultural reform and commitment to social justice.

Colombia has a historical context where the counter-victims have reached 10 million. Of these, more than a thousand are organized jointly, underlining the extent and variety of repair needs in the country.

The government’s effort seeks not only to compensate the victims but also to promote agricultural reform, an essential project for reconciliation and the development of the territory.

Felipe Harman highlighted the importance of this purchase by pointing out that “The assets from the ’98 peace process, intended for the victims of paramilitarism, were idle assets of the State. Now, they will be used directly for reparations to the victims.”

This joint action by the two entities is a critical step in the process of valuing the assets of the Victim Compensation Fund, guaranteeing that “every peso allocated to purchase land is re-invested in the reparation process.”

Location of the Lands for Victims

Antioquia, Córdoba, and Santander are some of the main departments where the properties prioritized for this acquisition are located.

The purchase of the 18,000 hectares, achieved through a diligent and speedy process by the ANT, will focus on iconic properties that have seen paramilitary crimes.

Among these farms are properties linked to key figures in the conflict, such as the Jorge 40 farm in Cesar and the Mancuso farm in Córdoba.

The acquisition of these lands is not only of material importance but also of symbolic importance, as they represent an act of justice and dignity for the victims of decades of violence.

Lilia Solano added that “supplying these lands not only benefits landless peasants, many of whom are also victims, but also contributes to the country’s agrarian reform project.”

The resources obtained from the purchase of these goods will be used solely for victim reparations, ensuring that the procurement process has a direct and tangible impact on the lives of those who have suffered due to the conflict.