As the date established for the first formal dialogues between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) scheduled for October 8th approaches, the public debate about the conditions for peace with social justice and the active participation of communities increases.

“Water, biodiversity and land are being devastated by large multinational corporations. This is not a matter exclusive to the government and FARC, it affect the entire people, especially the thousands of displaced people”, said the member of the Peace and Justice Service (Serpaj), the global human rights organization.

In addition, Perez Esquivel pointed out that “the people cannot be an observer in these dialogues”. Peace is a permanent dynamic of human relations, not only the absence of conflict. Without social justice there is no peace, there is submission”.

The human rights activist also pointed out that the causes need to be addressed in the negotiations, and that’s why he claims a strengthening of the state national and regional structures. Meanwhile, Perez Esquivel does not support “transitional justice” or “special courts” in these types of processes. He demands strong regular courts to realise the "right to truth and justice to avoid impunity".

“The Colombian people has a very important social force that will try to support a fair solution. The Colombian people want peace and the only way to achieve it is by building those spaces. I hope there is enough patience and social, legal and ethical clarity to advance in the negotiations. The brothers and sisters of Cauca have been promoting alternatives and all parties should listen to them", added Perez Esquivel.