Peace for Colombia: securing Casa de la Paz (the house of peace)

The project. A collective of firmantes de la paz (signatories to the peace agreement) in the center of Bogotá is fighting hard to make their clubhouse their property. A challenging dream that grows out of love, the desire for change, and the will for peace in Colombia. With the purchase, la Casa de la Paz can secure the future of their association's work.

Why is Casa de la Paz important?  Before the peace agreement in Colombia, conflicts arose due to various complex factors, including the longstanding-armed conflict between the Colombian government, leftist guerrilla groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and right-wing paramilitary groups. The conflict was fueled by issues of land distribution, socio-economic inequality, drug trafficking, political unrest, and historical grievances. Additionally, the involvement of external actors, such as international drug cartels and neighboring countries, contributed to the protraction of the conflict. These factors, coupled with deep-rooted mistrust, violence, and human rights violations, created a volatile environment that persisted for decades, causing immense suffering and displacement for Colombian citizens. The signing of the peace agreement in 2016 marked a crucial milestone in Colombia's pursuit of stability, reconciliation, and a path towards sustainable peace.

The Casa de la Paz advocates for peace in the country, as well as for a reappraisal of human rights violations during the period of conflicts, promoting a culture of remembrance in the country. Casa de la Paz is staffed by former FARC guerrillas, giving ex-combatants economic opportunities that, given their past, wouldn’t otherwise be available to them. For the mostly female leaders, it offers the opportunity not only to tell their story, remember their history, and work towards reconciliation, but also to fight for women’s rights and establish more women leaders in positions defending human rights. The center is also home to La Trocha, a craft brewery generating the needed income to sustain the organization.

V Social praises the commitment of each member to the peace process in the country and is enthusiastic about how they are working in the community to achieve their dreams. Casa de la Paz represents a rare example of the successful reintegration of ex-FARCs into civil society in Colombia.

 
How you can support?  Make your donation, which will be forwarded, without any deduction, via the NGO V Social to Casa de la Paz. Your donation will support the signatories to peace with their goal: To make the clubhouse their own property, secure the future of their community, and foster peace in Colombia. 

Note: If the organization does not raise the necessary funds to buy the house, the funds raised will be used to strengthen the community-based projects that V Social supports throughout Latin America.