2024-03-12 13:29:02
In the village of Santa Rosa, town of Sumapaz, a momentous recognition event took place last Sunday by the Victims Unit, where Sumapaz was designated as a victim of the armed conflict and subject to collective reparation.
The ceremony included the participation of the District, represented by the Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, and the director of the Victims Unit, Patria Tobón.
Tobón stressed: «Today we have come to settle a historical debt with the victims of the peasant community of the town of Sumapaz. Here begins a path towards collective reparation, a right that had been denied long ago with arguments linked to stigmatization coming from different sectors and actors.
The mayor of Bogotá stated that with the recognition by the Unit “the route of collective reparation begins, a process to identify the damage suffered by the community of Sumapaz and define, together, the way in which the territory will be fully repaired.”
First community to receive this recognition
The decision of the Victims Unit marks a milestone for the construction of peace in Colombia, being the first time that a peasant community is included in the Single Registry of Victims (RUV).
Tobón highlighted that the community of Sumapaz “has borne not only the weight of unfair trials, but also unfounded prejudices; it has had to face accusations that have obscured the true essence of those who have inhabited this wasteland.”
With the recognition, the Sumapaz community will receive special attention to address “reparation, reconciliation and reunification” processes, which implies a comprehensive intervention that involves both the National and District Governments, as announced by the District.
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The decision of the Victims Unit also recognizes the importance of land, the problems around its concentration and the role it has played in the various conflicts in the country.
From the District, they pointed out that “beyond a symbolic act, it seeks to advance in overcoming the historical and social debt with the peasantry through the implementation of the Comprehensive Collective Reparation Plan that aims to strengthen the social and community capacities of the peasantry and rural women of this locality.
Associations from the area also participated in the event, highlighting the consequences of the conflict in Sumapaz, but highlighting the new beginning that recognition represents. Misael Baquero, representative of Sintrapaz, stated: “Today begins a great opportunity for us to change course together and move towards progress.”
Esperanza Rubiano, president of Asojuntas, applauded the community’s work and expressed that it is an achievement for present and future generations, “since it becomes a new beginning to move forcefully towards peace and reconciliation,” according to reports from the district.
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