United States begins reconciliation program among former combatants, victims and recipient communities

February 6, 2009

The United States Government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), began implementing the Pacifico program, to promote reconciliation between former combatants, victims and recipient communities from Medellin and the municipality of Granada, in the Antioquia department.

With a $600,000 budget, CHF International will implement the program, together with the local mayor’s offices, the Antioquia Governor’s Office, local NGOs and various victims’ associations to. As such, the efforts of these organizations to support reconciliation processes in vulnerable sectors in both Medellin and Granada will be enhanced.

The Pacifico program will use participatory activities such as the Reconciliation Tables, as a way to provide a format for discussion and define agendas that reflect the interests of all sectors and identify actions aimed towards a common good.  As such, the program seeks to build an inclusive model of reconciliation; one that allows for various sectors of the community to participate actively and strengthen local authorities as leaders of the process.

In this manner, the U.S. Government can contribute to generating valuable experiences that aid in the construction of peace in Colombia.

USAID is the key U.S. Government agency responsible for the execution and management of social, economic and humanitarian aid worldwide.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombia, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), supports the efforts of the Colombian government to eliminate the production of illicit crops, improve the living conditions of the internally displaced and contribute towards peace, security and democratic stability.