FARC Letter To Christians and Anyone Who Professes a Religion

  • Country/entity
    Colombia
  • Region
    Americas
  • Agreement name
    FARC Letter To Christians and Anyone Who Professes a Religion
  • Date
    29 Oct 2016
  • Agreement status
    Unilateral document
  • Interim arrangement
    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level
    Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( Colombian Conflict (1964 - ) )
  • Stage
    Implementation/renegotiation
  • Conflict nature
    Inter-group
  • Peace process
    Colombia V - Santos
  • Parties
    Signed:
    FARC
  • Third parties
    -
  • Description
    -


Groups

  • Children/youth
    Groups→Children/youth→Substantive
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    3. So that in this way, the approaches to non-stigmatization and non-victimization of any vulnerable population, incorporated in the Agreement, should harmonize with freedom of conscience, religious freedom, the right to educational autonomy of institutions, And with the right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their principles and values.
  • Disabled persons

    No specific mention.

  • Elderly/age

    No specific mention.

  • Migrant workers

    No specific mention.

  • Racial/ethnic/national group

    No specific mention.

  • Religious groups
    Groups→Religious groups→Substantive
    Summary: Agreement in its entirity is between an armed group (FARC) and Christin leaders in order to integrate perspectives of Christian sectors into the Final Peace Agreement.

    Page 1, Preamble
    In this period of building consensus for peace, in Havana on 23 and 24 October, the FARCEP Peace Delegation, met Viviane Morales and Carlos Alonso Lucio, in their capacity as senator and Christian leader, in order to listen to their proposals to review and amend the Final Peace Agreement, taking into account public comments made by different Christian sectors.
    ...
    4. The Agreement should include among the victims of the conflict the recognition and visibility of those who were victims because of their religious beliefs, particularly of pastors and Christian communities
    ...
    5. They should recognize Christian churches as actors of reconciliation for peace, enabling them to participate in the stages of implementation of the Agreement. Such a situation should pertain in all areas of citizen participation, including work spaces on family issues, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, within the framework of the commission for implementation, monitoring, verification and resolution of disputes. Faith congregations and religious cults, including Christianity, should also have space for participation in peacebuilding bodies arising from the Agreement, which are relevant, based on the consolidation of reconciliation and peace.
  • Indigenous people

    No specific mention.

  • Other groups
    Groups→Other groups→Substantive
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    3. So that in this way, the approaches to non-stigmatization and non-victimization of any vulnerable population, incorporated in the Agreement, should harmonize with freedom of conscience, religious freedom, the right to educational autonomy of institutions, And with the right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their principles and values.
  • Refugees/displaced persons

    No specific mention.

  • Social class

    No specific mention.


Gender

  • Women, girls and gender
    Page 1,

    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:

    1. A wording that defines the interpretation with relation to the "gender approach" which will make clear the understanding that it refers to the special claim and protection of the rights of women as the main victim of the conflict and as an essential protagonist in the construction of peace post-conflict.

    2. That the "gender approach" of the Agreements will be understood in such a way as to subsequently permit, whether for public or private purposes, unequivocal interpretations which respect the concept of the family written clearly in Article 42 of the Political Constitution.
  • Men and boys

    No specific mention.

  • LGBTI

    No specific mention.

  • Family
    Page 1,

    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:



    2. That the "gender approach" of the Agreements will be understood in such a way as to subsequently permit, whether for public or private purposes, unequivocal interpretations which respect the concept of the family written clearly in Article 42 of the Political Constitution.

State definition

  • Nature of state (general)

    No specific mention.

  • State configuration

    No specific mention.

  • Self determination

    No specific mention.

  • Referendum

    No specific mention.

  • State symbols

    No specific mention.

  • Independence/secession

    No specific mention.

  • Accession/unification

    No specific mention.

  • Border delimitation

    No specific mention.

  • Cross-border provision

    No specific mention.


Governance

  • Political institutions (new or reformed)

    No specific mention.

  • Elections

    No specific mention.

  • Electoral commission

    No specific mention.

  • Political parties reform

    No specific mention.

  • Civil society
    Page 1, Preamble
    In this period of building consensus for peace, in Havana on 23 and 24 October, the FARCEP Peace Delegation, met Viviane Morales and Carlos Alonso Lucio, in their capacity as senator and Christian leader, in order to listen to their proposals to review and amend the Final Peace Agreement, taking into account public comments made by different Christian sectors.
  • Traditional/religious leaders
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    4. The Agreement should include among the victims of the conflict the recognition and visibility of those who were victims because of their religious beliefs, particularly of pastors and Christian communities
  • Public administration

    No specific mention.

  • Constitution

    No specific mention.


Power sharing

  • Political power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Territorial power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Economic power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Military power sharing

    No specific mention.


Human rights and equality

  • Human rights/RoL general

    No specific mention.

  • Bill of rights/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Treaty incorporation

    No specific mention.

  • Civil and political rights
    Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Thought, opinion, conscience and religion
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    3. So that in this way, the approaches to non-stigmatization and non-victimization of any vulnerable population, incorporated in the Agreement, should harmonize with freedom of conscience, religious freedom, the right to educational autonomy of institutions, And with the right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their principles and values.
    ...
    5. They should recognize Christian churches as actors of reconciliation for peace, enabling them to participate in the stages of implementation of the Agreement. Such a situation should pertain in all areas of citizen participation, including work spaces on family issues, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, within the framework of the commission for implementation, monitoring, verification and resolution of disputes. Faith congregations and religious cults, including Christianity, should also have space for participation in peacebuilding bodies arising from the Agreement, which are relevant, based on the consolidation of reconciliation and peace.
  • Socio-economic rights
    Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Education
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    3. So that in this way, the approaches to non-stigmatization and non-victimization of any vulnerable population, incorporated in the Agreement, should harmonize with freedom of conscience, religious freedom, the right to educational autonomy of institutions, And with the right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their principles and values.

Rights related issues

  • Citizenship

    No specific mention.

  • Democracy

    No specific mention.

  • Detention procedures

    No specific mention.

  • Media and communication

    No specific mention.

  • Mobility/access

    No specific mention.

  • Protection measures

    No specific mention.

  • Other

    No specific mention.


Rights institutions

  • NHRI

    No specific mention.

  • Regional or international human rights institutions

    No specific mention.


Justice sector reform

  • Criminal justice and emergency law

    No specific mention.

  • State of emergency provisions

    No specific mention.

  • Judiciary and courts

    No specific mention.

  • Prisons and detention

    No specific mention.

  • Traditional Laws

    No specific mention.


Socio-economic reconstruction

  • Development or socio-economic reconstruction

    No specific mention.

  • National economic plan

    No specific mention.

  • Natural resources

    No specific mention.

  • International funds

    No specific mention.

  • Business

    No specific mention.

  • Taxation

    No specific mention.

  • Banks

    No specific mention.


Land, property and environment

  • Land reform/rights

    No specific mention.

  • Pastoralist/nomadism rights

    No specific mention.

  • Cultural heritage

    No specific mention.

  • Environment

    No specific mention.

  • Water or riparian rights or access

    No specific mention.


Security sector

  • Security Guarantees

    No specific mention.

  • Ceasefire

    No specific mention.

  • Police

    No specific mention.

  • Armed forces

    No specific mention.

  • DDR

    No specific mention.

  • Intelligence services

    No specific mention.

  • Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces

    No specific mention.

  • Withdrawal of foreign forces

    No specific mention.

  • Corruption

    No specific mention.

  • Crime/organised crime

    No specific mention.

  • Drugs

    No specific mention.

  • Terrorism

    No specific mention.


Transitional justice

  • Transitional justice general

    No specific mention.

  • Amnesty/pardon

    No specific mention.

  • Courts

    No specific mention.

  • Mechanism

    No specific mention.

  • Prisoner release

    No specific mention.

  • Vetting

    No specific mention.

  • Victims
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    1. A wording that defines the interpretation with relation to the "gender approach" which will make clear the understanding that it refers to the special claim and protection of the rights of women as the main victim of the conflict and as an essential protagonist in the construction of peace post-conflict.
    ...
    4. The Agreement should include among the victims of the conflict the recognition and visibility of those who were victims because of their religious beliefs, particularly of pastors and Christian communities
  • Missing persons

    No specific mention.

  • Reparations

    No specific mention.

  • Reconciliation
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    5. They should recognize Christian churches as actors of reconciliation for peace, enabling them to participate in the stages of implementation of the Agreement. Such a situation should pertain in all areas of citizen participation, including work spaces on family issues, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, within the framework of the commission for implementation, monitoring, verification and resolution of disputes. Faith congregations and religious cults, including Christianity, should also have space for participation in peacebuilding bodies arising from the Agreement, which are relevant, based on the consolidation of reconciliation and peace.

Implementation

  • UN signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Other international signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Referendum for agreement

    No specific mention.

  • International mission/force/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Enforcement mechanism
    Page 1,
    Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and possible incorporation into the Agreement:
    ...
    5. They should recognize Christian churches as actors of reconciliation for peace, enabling them to participate in the stages of implementation of the Agreement. Such a situation should pertain in all areas of citizen participation, including work spaces on family issues, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, within the framework of the commission for implementation, monitoring, verification and resolution of disputes. Faith congregations and religious cults, including Christianity, should also have space for participation in peacebuilding bodies arising from the Agreement, which are relevant, based on the consolidation of reconciliation and peace.
  • Related cases

    No specific mention.

  • Source
    . Twitter Viviane Morales, https://web.archive.org/save/https://twitter.com/MoralesViviane/status/792500818587033600/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E792500818587033600&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elespectador.com%2Fnoticias%2Fpaz%2Fcristianos-y-farc-solucionan-el-tema-del-enfoque-de-gen-articulo-663030

    . El Espectador, https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/paz/cristianos-y-farc-solucionan-el-tema-del-enfoque-de-gen-articulo-663030

To Christians and Anyone Who Professes a Religion

Bogotá, October 29, 2016.

In this period of building consensus for peace, in Havana on 23 and 24 October, the FARCEP

Peace Delegation, met Viviane Morales and Carlos Alonso Lucio, in their capacity as

senator and Christian leader, in order to listen to their proposals to review and amend the

Final Peace Agreement, taking into account public comments made by different Christian

sectors.

Based on sustained talks and the respectful and cordial exchange of points and opinions, we

conclude that the FARC-EP, using its autonomy and competencies, as one of the parties to

the dialogue, will bring the following points before the National Government for analysis and

possible incorporation into the Agreement:

1. A wording that defines the interpretation with relation to the "gender approach" which will

make clear the understanding that it refers to the special claim and protection of the rights of

women as the main victim of the conflict and as an essential protagonist in the construction of

peace post-conflict.

2. That the "gender approach" of the Agreements will be understood in such a way as to

subsequently permit, whether for public or private purposes, unequivocal interpretations

which respect the concept of the family written clearly in Article 42 of the Political

Constitution.

3. So that in this way, the approaches to non-stigmatization and non-victimization of any

vulnerable population, incorporated in the Agreement, should harmonize with freedom of

conscience, religious freedom, the right to educational autonomy of institutions, And with the

right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their principles and values.

4. The Agreement should include among the victims of the conflict the recognition and

visibility of those who were victims because of their religious beliefs, particularly of pastors

and Christian communities.

5. They should recognize Christian churches as actors of reconciliation for peace, enabling

them to participate in the stages of implementation of the Agreement.

Such a situation should

pertain in all areas of citizen participation, including work spaces on family issues, freedom

of religion and freedom of conscience, within the framework of the commission for

implementation, monitoring, verification and resolution of disputes.

Faith congregations and

religious cults, including Christianity, should also have space for participation in peacebuilding

bodies arising from the Agreement, which are relevant, based on the consolidation

of reconciliation and peace.

The efforts made in this document are inspired by the spirit of building the greatest possible

consensus on the path of peace for Colombia.

Fraternally:

FARC EP