The Colombian government pledged to restore almost 250,000 acres of land to displaced people in the western department of Choco.
In accordance with orders from the Constitutional Court, Interior Minister Vargas Lleras announced they would choose community leaders to receive collective land titles in the municipalities of Jiguamiando and Curvarado by no later than April 15, reported Radio Caracol Monday.
Agriculture Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo added they would carry out a census to determine the final distribution of land to private holders, although the government has not given a deadline for this distribution.
The administration of Juan Manuel Santos implemented the historic Victims and Land Restitution Law this year, which aims to restore land to the millions of people displaced during Colombia’s long-running armed conflict.
However it has come under criticism for failing to distribute land equitably. Congressman Ivan Cepeda recently accused the government of favoring ranchers and international business owners over disenfranchised victims.
