Peace Building in Colombia: A Discussion with Colombian High Commissioner for Peace Frank Pearl

Over the past seven years Colombia has taken significant strides toward building peace and reconciliation with the demobilization of over 40,000 combatants from the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) and guerrillas, as well as government-sponsored reintegration programs under the banner of the 2005 Peace and Justice Law. The sustainability of these efforts remains a priority for the country.

On March 9, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted Frank Pearl, high commissioner for peace and high presidential counselor for social and economic reintegration in Colombia. Mr. Pearl discussed the key aspects and challenges of the peace-building process in the South American nation. Senior Fellow Ted Piccone, deputy director of Foreign Policy at Brookings, offered remarks following Mr. Pearl’s presentation.

Senior Fellow Mauricio Cárdenas, director of the Latin America Initiative, provided introductory remarks and moderated this discussion.