Peace Presence

Peace Presence Building Peace from the Ground Up!

The Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence (FOR Peace Presence or FORPP) is an international organization dedicated to providing safety, political visibility and solidarity to communities and individuals in Colombia who are working to promote human rights, peace and justice.

  | We recently accompanied a community documentation process with the Land Restitution Unit in   — a collective space w...
03/27/2026

| We recently accompanied a community documentation process with the Land Restitution Unit in — a collective space where the community mapped their history and created a social cartography together with the Cabildo Indígena de Valledupar as part of their organizational process.

🧭 This community has spent more than four years displaced after being uprooted from their ancestral territory along the San Juan River. Today, they continue strengthening their cultural identity, their practices, and their relationship with the land — grounded in the dignity and resilience that sustain their community life.

✊🏽 Meanwhile, they remain in overcrowded conditions in a temporary shelter in Buenaventura, facing multiple challenges that limit their ability to fully live and organize as a community.

⚖️ This exercise of memory, territory, and dignity is essential for strengthening their roots, their voice, and their sense of community — and it contributes to their call for dignified conditions and the full recognition of their rights.

Our work is rooted in solidarity—and it would not be possible without the generosity of our international community. Thi...
01/01/2026

Our work is rooted in solidarity—and it would not be possible without the generosity of our international community. This year, we were honored to be joined by three volunteer accompaniers: Pete Hämmerle, Siena Mann, and Erin Blyth. Each of them donated their time, skills, and knowledge to walk alongside communities with care, humility, and commitment. Their presence strengthened our work and reminded us what true accompaniment looks like.

As we move into the new year, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who stands with us. We value each of you as allies in this work, and we are grateful to continue walking this path together in solidarity.

Nuestro trabajo se basa en la solidaridad, y no sería posible sin la generosidad de nuestra comunidad internacional. Este año, tuvimos el honor de contar con tres voluntarios acompañantes: Pete Hämmerle, Siena Mann y Erin Blyth. Cada uno de ellos donó su tiempo, habilidades y conocimientos para acompañar a las comunidades con amor, humildad, y compromiso. Su presencia fortaleció nuestro trabajo y nos recordó lo que significa el verdadero acompañamiento.

Al comenzar el nuevo año, extendemos nuestro más profundo agradecimiento a todos los que nos apoyan. Valoramos a cada uno de ustedes como aliados en este trabajo y estamos agradecidos de poder continuar caminando juntos en solidaridad.

In September, FORPP accompanied youth in Blanquita Murrí as they seeded peace through agroecology. 🌱 Afrodescendent, Ind...
10/01/2025

In September, FORPP accompanied youth in Blanquita Murrí as they seeded peace through agroecology. 🌱 Afrodescendent, Indigenous, and campesino youth harvested their first organic rice, saved seeds, and practiced “trueque” (exchange) while protecting their land and biodiversity. Despite challenges of violence and climate change, they are cultivating resilience and food sovereignty for future generations. ✨

Seeding memory!From August 14 to 18, FORPP, FOR Austria and ConPazCol accompanied the youth agro-ecology school as part ...
09/04/2025

Seeding memory!

From August 14 to 18, FORPP, FOR Austria and ConPazCol accompanied the youth agro-ecology school as part of the Inter-Ethnic Commission for Peace (La Mesa Interétnica de Paz) of Blanquita Murri, thanks to the support of and . This month, students developed baseline metrics for the project, monitored the growth of native seed varieties, and worked on irrigation. The school develops the students capacity to analyze the land and implement regenerative agriculture.

In honor of the International Day of the Dissapeared, which takes place on the 30th of August, students remembered disappeared loved ones from their communities. They wrote the names of their family members on cards and placed them in the middle of our circle. This act of memory reminded them of the importance of the Inter-Ethnic Commission for Peace and the collective commitment to non-repetition.

🧹 In the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, daily actions create peace.Handmade broom from iraca palm—a plant that...
07/28/2025

🧹 In the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, daily actions create peace.

Handmade broom from iraca palm—a plant that grows abundantly on their land—these brooms are crafted without plastic, waste, or chemicals. In making their own tools, the Peace Community chooses a path of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and sovereignty.

Broom-making is peacebuilding. It’s choosing not to fuel extractive economies or conflict-linked supply chains. It’s preserving ancestral knowledge, respecting the earth, and meeting daily needs in ways that honor life.

Peace is built not only through words or treaties—but through hands, land, and care. 🌿🕊️

🌟 Welcome, Siena! 🌟We’re thrilled to welcome Siena, the newest addition to our accompaniment team.She’s currently pursui...
07/22/2025

🌟 Welcome, Siena! 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Siena, the newest addition to our accompaniment team.

She’s currently pursuing a Master’s in International Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute (University of Notre Dame) and brings over a decade of experience as an activist and community organizer in the U.S., Mexico, and Nicaragua.

Siena will be spending the next 6 months with us, accompanying communities and supporting grassroots peace efforts.

Welcome to the team, Siena — we’re so glad you’re here!



🌟 ¡Bienvenida, Siena! 🌟

Nos alegra mucho darle la bienvenida a Siena, la nueva integrante de nuestro equipo de acompañamiento.

Actualmente cursa una Maestría en Estudios Internacionales de Paz en el Kroc Institute (Universidad de Notre Dame), y cuenta con más de una década de experiencia como activista y organizadora comunitaria en EE.UU., México y Nicaragua.

Siena estará con nosotres durante los próximos 6 meses, acompañando a comunidades y apoyando procesos de paz desde las bases.

¡Bienvenida al equipo, Siena!




From May 17th to 30th, FORPP accompanied the Peace Community in Aldea de Paz — the “Peace Village” — in Mulatos, one of ...
07/14/2025

From May 17th to 30th, FORPP accompanied the Peace Community in Aldea de Paz — the “Peace Village” — in Mulatos, one of 32 hamlets within the greater San José de Apartadó community. Founded in 2008, the village was created as a protective space to help families safely return and reclaim their land.

Mulatos has long been impacted by violence and armed conflict, making it difficult for families to remain on their land permanently. Today, many can only stay with the support of large groups and the presence of international accompaniers.

Our field team recently returned and shared powerful reflections from their time in Mulatos. Read their full report on our blog.

🇨🇴✨ “Perdón, Peace Community.”On June 5, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood before a solemn crowd in Bogotá a...
06/11/2025

🇨🇴✨ “Perdón, Peace Community.”
On June 5, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood before a solemn crowd in Bogotá and issued a historic, long-awaited state apology to the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó.

FORPP was honored to accompany the community on this emotional day. This moment of truth and recognition could only have happened thanks to the tireless resistance of the Peace Community—and the unwavering support and solidarity from people around the world. 🌎✊🏽

In May, we had the privilege of accompanying a powerful milestone: the second anniversary of the Casa Madre, a community...
05/23/2025

In May, we had the privilege of accompanying a powerful milestone: the second anniversary of the Casa Madre, a community-led initiative in La Blanquita, Colombia.

The Casa Madre is a living symbol of resistance, hope, and community protection. Created by rural communities affected by Colombia’s long history of armed conflict and displacement, this collective space is designed to increase security, safeguard life, and bring people together to strengthen their sovereignty and reclaim peace on their own terms.

Welcome to the team, Pete Haemmerle! Pete will accompany in Colombia May and June, supporting our team in the Comunidad ...
05/05/2025

Welcome to the team, Pete Haemmerle! Pete will accompany in Colombia May and June, supporting our team in the Comunidad de Paz in San José de Apartadó and the Interethnic Commission for Peace in Blanquita Murrí. Pete has been working with Fellowship of Reconciliation in Austria as co-director until last October and after his retirement now takes the opportunity to contribute to this long-term commitment of FOR Austria in a new way.

“I am looking forward to get to learn about the ongoing efforts of these communities trying to live their commitment to peace and justice in a nonviolent way. I have followed the Peace Community for many years and was filled with great joy to be able to visit them in person for the first time yesterday. And I hope I can contribute my bit in creating a safer space for them to continue their commitment to the well-being of their community and a more peaceful environment amidst ongoing violent conflict”, says Pete at the start of his two months as an accompanier.

Welcome, Pete!

Today, we remember the tragic loss of Naelly and Edinson, cherished members of the Peace Community of San José de Aparta...
03/19/2025

Today, we remember the tragic loss of Naelly and Edinson, cherished members of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and are reminded that it has been one year without justice.

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