The University of Cauca is, above all, a university for peace, and for this very reason, in this institution, "we think, educate, and act for peace." In line with this strong commitment, the Peace Commission of our Alma Mater participated in the Humanitarian Caravan for Life, Peace, and Permanence in the Territories as it passed through the department of Cauca.

This caravan, which traveled through Antioquia, southern Bolívar, Arauca, Chocó, and southwestern Colombia between July and August 2024, aimed to understand and highlight the realities of the communities most affected by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the armed conflict. It was an initiative driven by more than 100 national and international organizations, as well as human rights defenders, who, through dialogue and direct engagement with communities, seek to uphold dignity and the right of people to remain in their territories.

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In Cauca, the Peace Commission of our Alma Mater accompanied the Caravan’s journey through the municipalities of Cajibío, Morales, and Buenos Aires, where various activities took place. These included active listening sessions with communities, humanitarian assistance through a medical brigade, the collection of testimonies on the human rights situation, and efforts to shed light on the living conditions of the population, especially women. Additionally, these actions aimed to foster solidarity and international support for the affected areas and their inhabitants.

Furthermore, representatives of the Peace Commission also participated in the presentation of the Final Report of the Humanitarian Caravan for Life, Peace, and Permanence in the Territories, an event organized by the Network of Solidarity with Colombia (REDHER). This event, held on December 9 at the Senate Capitol in Bogotá, featured the participation of Professor Jaidiver Ojeda, a member of the Peace Commission and coordinator of the Comprehensive, Social, and Humanistic Training Program (FISH) at Unicauca.

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"The report presents a very complex picture, particularly in areas where paramilitary groups have been reorganizing. This aligns with the report from the Ministry of Defense to the Senate, which also highlights an increase in conflict in several departments, worsening the humanitarian crisis," explained Professor Jaidiver Ojeda. He also emphasized the urgent need for state institutions to listen to social organizations and adopt not only preventive but also structural measures to address the root causes of violence affecting the country.

The passage of the Humanitarian Caravan through Cauca reaffirms the need to continue building spaces for dialogue and support for communities in vulnerable situations.

Peace is not just an aspiration but a continuous task that requires the commitment of all sectors of society. From this house of thought, it is considered essential to continue strengthening critical thinking and working jointly with social organizations to contribute to the construction of a fairer country in harmony with the rights of those who continue to resist in their territories.

Written by: Communications Management Center