Colombia: The signal of a new era

As a culmination of four years of sometimes grueling negotiation between the government of Colombia and the largest rebel group in that country- FARC- An agreement has been reached to end what has been the longest- running war in the Americas. This agreement is being seen as 'a milestone for peace in the Americas and the world'.

It has to be said that the Colombian government, after more than 50 years of conflict, has given its citizens reason to be hopeful that a position can be reached, which will see elements at the country's fringe being integrated into society in a manner that is understanding, inclusive, forgiving and forward-thinking.

If indeed the agreement is ratified in a referendum later this year as hoped, the practicality of entrenching it would reasonably be expected to be challenging.

In making every effort to surmount these challenges however, Colombia would have set itself on a path of becoming a beacon not only for the manner of seeking and finding an often elusive peace after years of intractable conflict. It would also be a signpost for the largeness of heart and richness of spirit required to embrace 'the other' on the margins of any society we profess to guard and protect.