When Colombia’s 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ended decades of conflict, it opened a new chapter for thousands of former combatants. The United Nations stepped in to support their transition to civilian life through vocational training and trauma healing initiatives, aiming to foster social cohesion and long-term stability.
Correspondent Michelle Begue reports from Bogotá that these programs have become a lifeline for ex-rebels navigating challenges like stigma and economic insecurity. “Many never held a job outside armed struggle,” she explains. “Training in agriculture, carpentry, and tech skills helps them rebuild identities beyond the battlefield.”
While progress is uneven, success stories highlight small businesses emerging from cooperatives and former fighters advocating for rural development. Analysts stress that sustained investment in such initiatives is critical to prevent backsliding into violence—a concern as Colombia balances reconciliation with justice.
