Dismantling labels: Colombia’s long-term challenge towards peace

After fifty years of war the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the longest operating left-wing guerrilla army in the hemisphere, have agreed to sign a peace accord by the end of this month. Although it is still uncertain if they will be able to meet this deadline, it seems that the ongoing peace process is reaching its final stage. The parties have already agreed on four of the six points of discussion defined in the General Agreement that inaugurated the peace talks back in 2012 (integral rural development, political participation, transitional justice and victims, and illicit drug operation). They also have made important announcements towards other concerns, such as the definition of a “humanitarian demining mission” and a special compromise with the families of victims of forced disappearances. More recently, the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to establish a political mission to monitor and verify the ceasefire and the end of hostilities. It seems that, this time, there is no turning back.