In their fourth debate, the Congress of the republic approved the first round of the draft legislative act that seeks to guarantee the recognition of the peasant as a special subject of constitutional protection and their access to a dignified life in the countryside.
(See: Youth, women and peasants face employment gaps).
About, the Minister of Agriculture, Cecilia López Montaño, I affirm that “This draft legislative act imposes on the State the duty to effectively guarantee the full exercise of individual and collective rights to the peasant population”.
“What we are doing is finally accepting the United Nations declaration on the rights of peasants and other people who work in rural areas, but also incorporating them into the constitutional block”, he added.
(See: The ‘juggling’ for milk production in the country for the winter).
Approving this project, as explained by the minister, will guarantee the full exercise of the individual and collective rights of the peasant population, as access to land, education, health, housing, social security, recreation, credit, communications, product marketing, technical and business assistance, among other topics.
(See: What it costs a farmer to ‘earn the potato’).
Of course, López Montaño clarified that the draft legislative act “it does not imply any weakening of recognition of the rights of other subjects of rurality, especially ethnic groups. On the contrary, it favors the development and adaptation of State regulations and policies in favor of the rights of the peasantry, gives them visibility”.
Finally, the official recalled that progress is being made, hand in hand with the National Land Agency (ANT) and since August 2022, the titling of more than 800,000 hectares for peasants.
(See: Minagricultura delivered first property titles to rural population).
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