UN Expert Calls for Addressing Class Divisions and Poverty to Achieve Peace in Colombia

The Special Rapporteur also criticized Colombia’s social stratification system, which classifies neighborhoods from 1 to 6 based on wealth.

Olivier De Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, concluded his visit to Colombia today with a stark warning: true peace in the country can only be achieved by addressing its deep-rooted class divisions and the widespread discrimination faced by people living in poverty.

“The stark divide between rich and poor Colombians is a fundamental barrier to peace,” said De Schutter. “Unless eradicating poverty becomes a priority across all income levels, Colombia will continue to face the vicious cycle of poverty and conflict, and lasting peace will remain out of reach.”

De Schutter highlighted how poverty exacerbates the ongoing conflict in Colombia, which has severely impacted the country’s socio-economic development, with immense human and environmental costs. He pointed out that the lack of employment opportunities makes impoverished individuals vulnerable to recruitment by non-state armed groups. Similarly, coca farmers, lacking viable alternatives, are often compelled to continue growing illicit crops.

“The conflict itself is a major driver of poverty,” De Schutter noted. “Non-state armed groups force people to flee their homes or restrict their movements, preventing them from accessing education, work, and healthcare. Additionally, criminal gangs are draining small businesses through extortion and exploiting desperate individuals through predatory lending.”

The Special Rapporteur also criticized Colombia’s social stratification system, which classifies neighborhoods from 1 to 6 based on wealth. He described this policy as “institutionalized social segregation,” which impedes efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve peace. De Schutter expressed concern that while the system aims to balance utility costs, it inadvertently perpetuates social divisions and stymies social mobility.

“The limited interaction between different income groups in Colombia means that a child born into poverty faces a staggering 11-generation wait to earn an average wage,” he said. “The system’s impact on social mobility and its stigmatization of lower-income individuals are significant barriers to accessing decent jobs and public services.”

De Schutter welcomed recent government efforts to reform the system, including moves towards a Universal Income Registry, progressive taxation, minimum wage increases, and pension improvements. He expressed hope that proposed health and education reforms would further address social segregation.

The Special Rapporteur also addressed Colombia’s illegal drug trade, a major source of violence and poverty. He urged full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement and emphasized the need for comprehensive support for coca farmers, including access to credit, markets, and fair prices for their produce.

“The international community should support Colombia’s pursuit of human rights-based alternatives to the ‘war on drugs,’” De Schutter said. “This approach is essential given the policy’s negative impact on impoverished communities.”

During his visit, De Schutter met with individuals living in poverty, civil society groups, and government officials in Bogotá, Soacha, Ciudad Bolivar, Cali, and Buenaventura. He praised community networks and social leaders for their efforts to provide essential services and protect vulnerable populations amidst widespread violence.

“Colombians are stepping up to fill gaps left by inadequate public services and safeguard the most vulnerable from violence,” De Schutter noted. “To truly end poverty and achieve ‘total peace,’ the authorities must support and learn from these grassroots efforts.”

The Special Rapporteur will present his final report on Colombia to the Human Rights Council in June 2025.