Colombia's history is marred by a five-decade armed conflict involving leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, drug lords, and government forces, resulting in over 450,000 deaths and 124,000 disappearances. In 2016, a peace pact was signed by 13,600 FARC fighters and the government, aiming to heal wounds and foster reconciliation.
Despite the peace accord, endemic violence, displacement, and inequality persist. President Gustavo Petro, the country's first leftist leader, seeks 'total peace' by demobilizing all rebels and drug trafficking gangs. However, negotiations with the ELN guerrilla group are in crisis, and violence continues.
The pact established institutions like the Truth Commission, Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and Search Unit for Disappeared Persons to facilitate searching efforts. Families like Doris Tejada, who found her son's remains in 2024, still mourn their losses.
Former rebels, including Gustavo Arbeláez, now collaborate with organizations to locate missing Colombians. Despite challenges and divisiveness, efforts continue to bring closure to families. The search unit has found 31 missing individuals alive and returned 354 remains, offering solace to grieving families.
For individuals like María Fénix Torres and Melba Bernal, who have searched for their loved ones for decades, the quest for peace through finding their missing relatives remains a poignant struggle. Their unwavering determination reflects the enduring pain and hope of countless Colombians seeking closure and justice.
Colombia's journey towards reconciliation and peace is ongoing, with dedicated individuals working tirelessly to bring solace to families affected by the conflict.
