This project explored how rural communities affected by armed conflict define justice and coexistence—two key concepts in Colombia’s peace accords. Justice informed the creation of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, while coexistence was central to the Truth Clarification and Coexistence Commission. We worked with 24 communities across 10 municipalities in Antioquia, Northern Cauca, and Sumapaz. Sites were chosen based on the presence—or absence—of transitional justice efforts by institutions such as the JEP, CEV, and the Unit for Victims.
Engaging over 1,200 participants, including men, women, and youth, we collected 3,815 coexistence indicators and 2,526 justice indicators. Communities emphasized local cohesion, living conditions, and community authority over formal peace process outcomes like demobilization or accountability. Security—whether from armed groups or the state—is seen as a precondition for peace, not peace itself.
In San Miguel, Northern Cauca, one community noted, “The Guardia Cimarrona exercises control so that strangers do not enter the community.” This Afro-Colombian self-protection group maintains peace through cultural authority rather than weapons.
Many indicators celebrated cultural practices and social bonds. One read, “The elders dance fuga and torbellino in our celebrations,” signaling respect for heritage and elder leadership. Others pointed to the need for better livelihoods. In San Francisco, Northern Cauca, a community noted, “Young people have opportunities beyond scraping coca or working in the mines.” These insights highlight longstanding neglect of rural communities’ economic and social rights.
While the harms of conflict matter, they were mentioned less often than hopes for improved daily life. Communities understand justice as both retributive and restorative. In Dabeiba, Antioquia, indicators included, “Ex-combatants pay for their crimes by building projects for victims” and “The army rebuilds the school they destroyed.” Communities also acknowledged the risks of restorative justice. An indicator from Sumapaz called for, “Equity between victims of the state and victims of the FARC.” In Dabeiba, former combatants stressed the need for reintegration efforts to avoid new tensions with surrounding communities.
Visualising everyday indicators using Photovoice
To return the indicators to communities and foster dialogue, we used Photovoice—a participatory research method that empowers people to express their perspectives through photography and creative writing. We worked with six communities in Antioquia, Northern Cauca, and Sumapaz. During training sessions, participants focused on the indicators most supported by their community. They discussed why these indicators mattered and how to represent them visually.
