Colombia land reform is unlikely to accelerate

Significance Former President Juan Manuel Santos (2010-18) in 2011 introduced the ‘Victims' Law’ to transfer ownership of 6.5 million hectares of land to victims of Colombia’s armed conflict, but only 665,000 hectares have since been transferred. Despite Petro's support for rural reform, his administration has transferred only 200,000 hectares in two years; bureaucracy is hindering progress. Impacts With cumbersome legal structures unlikely to be reformed soon, more frustration lies ahead, both for land claimants and the government. Anti-Petro feeling among opposition politicians could make them less inclined to tackle delays, as he considers it urgent to do. Land freed up in voluntary sales in conflict-ridden areas, where land ownership is still a potential burden, will have limited appeal.