Between war and peace: Land and humanitarian action in Colombia

This chapter provides a historical perspective on the relationship between land and confl ict in Colombia, in which land is identifi ed as both a source and resource of confl ict. This relationship is central to understanding forced displacement in Colombia and this study argues that in light of signifi cant shortfalls in translating state policy on land and IDPs into practice, humanitarian agencies in both the provision of assistance and wider transitional programming need to fully integrate an understanding of land issues into their programming. Furthermore, any prospects for supporting a transition from war to peace will require a resolution of land disputes, substantial reparation and wider reform.