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Colombian government, rebel group agree to promote gender equality

Xinhua, July 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

Colombian officials and the rebel group, "the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia" (FARC), agreed to promote gender equality on Sunday during peaceful talks aimed at ending the country's half-century conflict.

The Colombian government and the FARC "have agreed to create conditions so women and people of diverse sexual orientations can have equal access to the benefits of living in a country where there is no armed conflict," the two sides said in a joint statement.

The conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC started in the 1960s as an uprising for land rights. It has left 260,000 people dead, 45,000 missing and nearly 7 million displaced.

The agreement was signed by Maria Paulina Riveros, a representative of the government negotiation team, and FARC commander Victoria Sandino. "Peace is built with (the participation of) everyone," said Riveros.

The agreement is intended to make it as easy for women as for men. It also aims to promote greater participation of women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities (LGBT) in politics and social movements.

The government and the FARC signed a bilateral ceasefire deal last month, and they are expected to announce a definitive peace deal soon. Endi