Colombian Lawmakers Concerned over Peace Accord Implementation

Colombian Senator Ivan Cepeda and House Representative Alirio Uribe expressed concern Wednesday over deadlines established for the implementation of the historic peace deal signed between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, and the Colombian government.

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The members of the Alternative Democratic Party announced that in the coming days they will convene a public meeting to discuss issues related to the amnesty law which is aimed at reinstating former members of the insurgency into civil life and pending lawsuits, reported Prensa Latina.

In a written statement, the lawmakers argued that they "want to discuss with other political forces in the legislature how the government has prepared for this new stage of the special legislative procedure or fast track.”

Likewise, they urged various congressional groups to lend their full support to the peace process by producing effective legislation.

Cepeda and Uribe also appealed a special jurisdiction to be established to further advance the peace process, legal reforms for the victims of the over half century conflict and robust political reform, one that coincides with the changing times.

The duo also stressed that the spirit of the peace accord can not be altered by objections expressed by conservative groups and sectors of society.

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In late June, the FARC handed in the last of its weapons to the United Nations as part of the peace deal with the Colombian government. The disarmament marked a major milestone, with the rebels now preparing to transition into a political entity and civilian life after 52 years of armed conflict.

The full path to peace still faces obstacles. According to reports, right-wing paramilitaries are filling the vacuum in areas abandoned by the FARC. A recent survey also showed that 75 percent of former guerrillas are currently homeless. This comes as violence against FARC members continues to rise with six former guerrillas murdered since the insurgency group officially completed disarmament.

Apart from the selective killing of demobilized FARC members who are reintegrating into civilian life, murders of social movement leaders are on the rise. Colombia's ombudsman, Carlos Alfonso Negret recently stated that 186 activists have been killed since January 2016.