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.
Another example is the work of the Fund in Chocó, where it has supported initiatives for the protection of social leaders and human rights defenders. According to the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz), in 2023 there were more than 200 murders of social leaders in Colombia, many of them in rural areas. The Fund has responded to this problem by financing projects that provide physical and psychosocial protection to leaders, as well as training in security and human rights.
Women and youth: Agents of change
Social justice also implies guaranteeing equal opportunities for all population groups. In this sense, the Multi-Donor Trust Fund has placed special emphasis on the empowerment of women and young people, who have been protagonists in peacebuilding from the territories.
In Caquetá, for example, the Fund has supported projects that promote the leadership of rural women in local development processes. Through training workshops in human rights, gender equity, and entrepreneurship, more than 500 women have strengthened their capacities to participate in decision-making spaces and generate income for their families. These initiatives have not only contributed to reducing gender gaps, but have also demonstrated that women are key agents for social transformation.
Similarly, the Fund has worked with young people in regions such as Meta and Guaviare, where it has supported education and employability projects. According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), the youth unemployment rate in Colombia exceeds 20%, a figure that is aggravated in rural areas. To address this problem, the Fund has financed technical and vocational training programs, as well as entrepreneurship initiatives that have benefited more than 2,000 young people.
The path towards social justice: A collective commitment
World Social Justice Day is an opportunity to remember that building a more just and equitable society is everyone’s commitment. In Colombia, the United Nations Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Peace has demonstrated that it is possible to advance towards this goal through international cooperation, joint work with communities, and support for initiatives that promote inclusion and sustainable development.
However, the challenges remain great. The implementation of the Peace Agreement requires a continuous and coordinated effort between the Government, civil society, and the international community. It is essential to continue supporting rural communities, protecting social leaders, and promoting the participation of women and young people in peace processes.
On this World Social Justice Day, we celebrate the progress made, but we also recognize that the path towards justice and peace is long and requires a firm and sustained commitment. The United Nations Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Peace will continue working alongside Colombian communities to build a future where social justice is a reality for all.