Owning the process: The role of civil society in peace negotiations

In this article, Celia Mckeon of Conciliation Resources looks at the power that civil society has to transform the conflict in Colombia and how it is consistently ignored.

Given the extreme violence existing, there are an extraordinary number of local initiatives that organise projects based on inclusivity and building a shared understanding.

It is a great pity therefore that there is not enough recognition or support for such peace work and that decision-makers do not allow a wider range of social and political actors to participate in formal negotiations.  

Sadly, the article notes that Colombia is not alone in missing the opportunities civil society offers to facilitate lasting settlements.