The violent struggle to control territory is one of the root causes of Colombia’s 50-year-old armed conflict. Success in the land restitution process will largely depend on whether the authorities, through the Victims and Land Restitution Law, are able to guarantee all land claimants the right to an effective remedy. This report examines whether the authorities can guarantee this right by addressing weaknesses in this Law; stemming the threats against land claimants; ensuring that those who return to their lands can sustain themselves economically; and addressing impunity for those suspected of criminal responsibility in forced displacement.
