February 20 commemorates World Social Justice Day, a date that invites us to reflect on the importance of promoting equity, inclusion, and access to fundamental rights for all people. In Colombia, this day acquires a special meaning in the context of the post-conflict, where the construction of a stable and lasting peace is intrinsically linked to social justice.

In this scenario, the United Nations Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Peace in Colombia has played a key role in supporting initiatives that seek to transform the realities of the communities most affected by armed conflict and exclusion.

Social justice: A fundamental pillar for peace

Social justice is not just an abstract concept; it is a necessary condition for achieving peace. According to data from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Colombia is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America, with a Gini coefficient of 0.54 in 2022. This inequality is accentuated in rural areas, where the armed conflict has left deep scars of poverty, lack of access to basic services, and social exclusion. For many communities, social justice means having access to land, education, health, and economic opportunities, as well as being able to participate actively in the decisions that affect their lives.

The United Nations Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Peace has understood that social justice is an essential component of peacebuilding. Since its creation in 2016, the Fund has supported more than 300 projects in 620 municipalities in Colombia, benefiting more than 2.2 million people. These initiatives have addressed critical issues such as land restitution, the reintegration of ex-combatants, the protection of social leaders, and the promotion of the rights of women and ethnic communities.

Initiatives that transform lives

One of the most outstanding examples of the work of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund is its support for projects that strengthen community participation and local governance. In regions such as Catatumbo, Chocó and Putumayo, the Fund has financed initiatives that promote the inclusion of communities in the Development Programs with a Territorial Approach (PDET). These programs, which are part of the 2016 Peace Agreement, seek to bring comprehensive development to the areas most affected by the conflict, prioritizing the voice of the communities in decision-making.

In Putumayo, for example, the Fund has supported the Red Cantoyaco, a network of community radio stations that uses radio as a tool to promote peace and social justice. Through radio programs, training workshops, and the production of local content, the Red Cantoyaco has enabled rural communities to participate actively in the peace and social fabric reconstruction processes. This project has not only strengthened the capacities of local communicators, but has also raised awareness about the rights of victims and the importance of reconciliation.

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