Colombia’s government-FARC peace talks address the missing

World Today

The Colombian government and members of leftist FARC rebels are moving forward with negotiations in Havana to end their 50-plus year conflict.

Many difficult issues have been addressed since the talks started nearly three years ago, but perhaps none as emotionally charged as how to handle the tens of thousands of Colombians who’ve simply gone missing.

Colombia’s government estimates some 52 thousand people have gone missing during 50 years of armed conflict, but victims rights groups believe the number is even higher. They say they’re closer to 100 thousand people.

During the ongoing peace negotiations in Havana, the Colombian government and FARC rebels took a significant step forward last month, agreeing to work together to locate the disappeared. The government has already established a task force made up of victims groups, non-governmental agencies and government officials to execute the plan.

For victims, the truths revealed may be painful, but crucial to achieving lasting peace.

CCTV America’s Michelle Begue reports from Bogota.