Colombian Indigenous Peoples delegation to hold Media Briefing in Congress tomorrow
In a bid to find commonalities, share experiences and explore models for an inclusive ‘peace process’, indigenous peoples leaders and peace advocates from Colombia, in cooperation with the office of North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco and the House Committee on IPs will hold a ‘Media Briefing’ tomorrow,Tuesday, 15 November 2016 (lunch time 12nn), at Conference Hall, Zulueta, South Wing Annex Bldg, House of Representatives.
A politically-negotiated settlement still remains the most viable option for most contending parties who have grown tired of armed violence and who’ve chosen the path of dialogue. In the last four (4) years, the world has harvested the fruits of talking peace in several conflict-stricken countries.
This momentum was markedly pronounced in the Philippines and Colombia. With peace a grasp away, defeat and rejection can become part of the equation. Such has been the case of the Bangsamoro, Philippine and Colombian peace processes, navigating their highs and lows for their respective peace processes through the years.
Said exchange trip by Colombians to the Philippines scheduled from Nov 10-16 was born out of an interest to compare and possibly learn from similar experiences in two of the main peace processes between the FARC and the government of Colombia, and the one between the CPP/NDF/NPA and the GRP.
In coordination with Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), this joint undertaking is organized in the Philippines by the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Katawhang Lumad Council of the Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (KL-MPPM), and Tebtebba. The 3-person Colombian delegation is composed of two (2) IP leaders and one (1) policy expert from Washington.
