Territories in condition of victim. Research and extension experience at the the National University of Colombia

Abstract

This article presents some contributions that account for the research and university extension experience of the project: "Territories in the condition of victims? Contributions for comprehensive reparation and non-repetition in the case of two habitats associated with rivers in the departments of Antioquia and Chocó". Realized between 2021 and 2022 at the School of Habitat, Faculty of Architecture of the National University of Colombia, Medellin, with the participation of teachers, undergraduate and graduate students. 

Colombia has experienced one of the longest internal armed conflicts in Latin America in recent history, characterized by the presence of multiple armed actors and various territorial disputes. These include the unequal distribution of land, territorial control by armed groups and drug trafficking. In 2016, the Colombian State signed the "Final Agreement for the end of the Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Long-lasting Peace” with one of the armed actors with the largest territorial presence, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP). The agreements gave rise to the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition.

The research-extension offers a complex habitat approach to the concern about territories in Colombia, based on three issues: First, the concern about the victims of the conflict and in particular those of the territory-river. Second, the reflection on reparation and non-repetition, in a country that has experienced multiple types of violence. Third, the action of the academy, particularly the public university, in the construction of peace with a territorial approach. A call is made to recognize the marks and ruptures left by the conflicts in the territory, the importance of making reparations to the victims and the necessary efforts so that the events are not repeated.