This week, UN envoy links Colombia’s peace challenges to economic segregation. Negotiations on Gaza ceasefire falter amid disputes over key issues. Sudanese women call for gender-inclusive mediation process.
UN envoy links Colombia’s peace challenges to economic segregation
UN Special Rapporteur Olivier De Schutter has spoken out against the severe impact of Colombia’s economic segregation on its peace efforts, comparing it to a caste system. De Schutter told Reuters that Colombia’s stratified economic system perpetuates social and economic divides, preventing meaningful social mobility and exacerbating poverty.
Colombia’s government groups households into six different economic strata, with wealthier citizens paying more for utilities to subsidize poorer communities. De Schutter said that although this is a well-intentioned plan, it results in segregation and continued poverty. This segregation makes it difficult for people from different economic backgrounds to form connections, which further entrenches poverty and makes disadvantaged youth more vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, he said. President Gustavo Petro has pushed to reduce Colombia’s poverty by raising minimum wage and reforming pension policies. He has also tried to negotiate peace deals with rebel groups. Still, Colombia’s cocaine trade in areas with heavy fighting between rebels and the army remains a major issue.
Negotiations on Gaza ceasefire falter amid disputes over key issues
The proposed ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas is 90% complete, yet significant disputes persist. Key sticking points include the exchange of prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, especially concerning the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border. U.S. officials, in coordination with Qatar and Egypt, are preparing to present a “final” proposal. Despite previous setbacks, there is renewed urgency following the recent killing of six hostages by Hamas.
Netanyahu’s public statements emphasizing the corridor’s importance have been criticized by U.S. officials as unhelpful. The current negotiation proposal involves a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, but Hamas’s recent actions and the Israeli government’s stance on the corridor complicate finalizing the deal.
With the talks ongoing, there is increasing frustration from hostage families and international mediators, who continue to push for a resolution amid tensions and skepticism from both sides.
Sudanese women call for gender-inclusive mediation process
Sudanese women leaders from 16 different organizations called for a gender-inclusive mediation process to address Sudan’s dire civil war. In a communique to Sudan Tribune, the leaders urged mediators from Sudan’s Tumaini Peace Initiative to consult with communities impacted by conflict, stakeholders, and the general population about their views and experiences. The Tumaini Peace Initiative is a high-level mediation which began in May 2024, which seeks permanent peace in South Sudan.
The women leaders said that all political parties should adhere to the 35% affirmative action policy for women by appointing more women to leadership positions, and stop replacing women in decision-making roles with men.
The group called on parties to prioritize the Tumaini process, and foster dialogue and “national consensus that includes women and civil society organizations.” It also called for support for civil society and women’s groups in conducting civic education, promoting dialogue, and peacebuilding.
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is Peace News Network (PNN)'s managing editor. She is journalist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and formerly in Bangkok, Thailand. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
