Colombia’s agriculture minister expects most difficulties returning stolen land to displaced farmers in the north and northeast of Colombia.
The minister told W Radio that the most dangerous areas to restore land are Urabá and Catatumbo, southern Bolívar, Magdalena, Magdalena Medio and the lower Cauca region in the Antioquia and Cesar departments, traditional hotspots of paramilitary organization AUC with a high presence of neo-paramilitary groups.
Restrepo warned that those abusing the recently ratified Victims’ Law will be receiving jail sentences between eight and twelve years, adding that “the only people who need to fear the Victims’ Law are those who obtained large amounts of land illegally or displaced farmers.”
Restrepo said that government officials will be monitored to ensure that they are not engaged in any foul play.
The murder of land rights activist, Ana Fabricia Cordoba, highlights the government’s need to protect those who are to benefit from the Victims’ Law.
In an interview with RCN Radio, Retrepo said that “the government is taking all measures to strengthen the safety of victims and their leaders,” and that they are “creating a high-security council to discuss effective safety measures.”
Although there will be problems with effectively enacting the Victims’ Law, Restrepo said the government is willing to face these difficulties due to the “huge debt” it owes to the 4 million people affected by the armed conflict.