Colombia’s Journey to Peace: A Look Back at Six Decades of Conflict
In 2016, Colombia stood at a crossroads after more than 60 years of conflict. The Colombian government had reached a historic peace agreement with the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), a leftist guerrilla group that had been engaged in armed struggle against the government since 1964. The signing of the treaty marked a significant milestone in the efforts to end the long-standing conflict that had ravaged the country for decades.
The impact of the conflict was devastating, with nearly 250,000 lives lost, over 20,000 people kidnapped for ransom, and tens of thousands of children recruited as child soldiers. The conflict also led to the displacement of approximately 8.2 million people from their homes, while many others suffered from sexual violence and torture. The scars of war ran deep, affecting nearly 1 in 5 Colombians who registered with the government as conflict victims.
For many Colombians, the question loomed large: Were they ready to put the violence behind them and embrace the peace treaty, or were the wounds of the past too fresh and painful to move forward? The answer lay in a countrywide referendum that would determine the fate of the peace deal.
After a heated campaign that pitted supporters of the treaty against those who opposed it, Colombian voters ultimately rejected the peace deal by a narrow margin. The outcome was a stark reminder of the deep divisions that still existed within Colombian society. However, the referendum’s failure did not spell the end of the peace process.
In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, the Colombian government and FARC leadership went back to the drawing board to revise the peace agreement. This time, instead of putting it to another referendum, the revised deal was ratified by both houses of Congress in November 2016, officially bringing an end to the conflict that had plagued the nation for over six decades.
The demobilization of FARC fighters in 2017 marked a new chapter in Colombia’s history, with thousands of combatants surrendering their weapons and reintegrating into society. The government embarked on a mission to help former fighters rebuild their lives and find a path to peace and reconciliation.
Challenges and Opportunities in Building Sustainable Peace
While the signing of the peace agreement was a significant step forward, the real test lay in how the Colombian people would respond to the process of reintegrating ex-combatants into society. The success of the peace deal hinged on the willingness of Colombians to embrace a future free from violence and conflict.
As researchers focused on peacebuilding, Andrés Casas and Boaz Hameiri recognized the critical role that public perception played in shaping the success of the peace process. Their intervention aimed to challenge misperceptions and prejudices towards ex-combatants, particularly the belief that they were unwilling or unable to change.
By telling the stories of those most impacted by the conflict and the peace process—victims, ex-combatants, and residents of transition zones—the researchers sought to humanize the individuals involved and dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. Through a series of videos featuring personal narratives, they aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable peace in Colombia.
The Power of Media-Based Interventions in Conflict Resolution
The development of the media intervention was a multi-step process that involved gathering insights from non-FARC Colombians about their perceptions of ex-combatants. By understanding the cognitive and emotional barriers to accepting ex-combatants back into society, the researchers were able to tailor their intervention to address these challenges effectively.
Traveling to transition areas where ex-combatants were being reintegrated, the researchers collected firsthand accounts from individuals directly involved in the peace process. These stories formed the basis of the video interventions, which aimed to challenge existing beliefs and promote empathy and understanding towards ex-combatants.
Through a rigorous testing process that involved comparing different video interventions with a representative sample of Colombians, the researchers identified the most effective approach. The video that targeted the belief that ex-combatants were unwilling and unable to change, and featured personal stories followed by corroborative evidence, proved to be the most impactful in changing attitudes and behaviors towards peace and reintegration.
The success of the media intervention underscored the power of storytelling in shaping public perception and promoting reconciliation in post-conflict societies. By providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and humanizing those affected by the conflict, the intervention paved the way for greater empathy and understanding among Colombians.
Looking Towards a Future of Sustainable Peace
As Colombia continues its journey towards sustainable peace, the lessons learned from the media intervention serve as a valuable guide for conflict resolution efforts around the world. By leveraging the power of storytelling and digital media, researchers and practitioners can reach a wider audience and challenge deep-seated biases that hinder reconciliation and peacebuilding.
The ongoing efforts to deploy virtual reality interventions in conflict-affected areas further highlight the potential of innovative technologies in promoting empathy and understanding. By immersing individuals in the lived experiences of those impacted by conflict, virtual reality offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between distant policymakers and local communities, fostering a sense of shared humanity and collective responsibility for peace.
As Colombia’s experience has shown, the path to peace is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but with perseverance and a commitment to dialogue and understanding, lasting peace is within reach. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by conflict and engaging in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and forgiveness, societies can move beyond the scars of the past towards a future of hope and healing.