Colombia Local Peace Councils Q+A.docx

CSO Colombia Local Peace Councils NOFO Questions and Answers July 17, 2020 Q1: Even though the FARC cannot be beneficiaries of the program, can they still actively participate in program activities, assuming they are not dissidents but part of the peace process? Further, if they can participate in program activities, the FARC have about 25 community radio stations, will we be able to use these to broadcast messages?

A1: The FARC (including the FARC political party, and any subgroup(s) participating in the peace process) is a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). U.S. law generally prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of SDGTs and the knowing provision of material support to FTOs.

The program implementer should exclude both the FARC as a group or individual members of the FARC from participating in this program in any capacity where the program might provide them a benefit (this includes hospitality, compensation, training, and reputational benefits). The implementer should also exclude FARC radio stations from participation in program activities.

Q2: How does the participation of FARC members on some local peace councils affect this program’s activities?

A2: The program implementer should exclude both the FARC as a group or individual members of the FARC from participating in this program in any capacity where the program might provide them a benefit (this includes hospitality, compensation, training, and reputational benefits). If FARC members participate in a local peace council in such a way that it would not be possible to work with that council and exclude FARC members from participating in activities that might provide a benefit to those FARC members, the implementer must exclude that local peace council as well.

Q3: Can funds from this program be used to purchase equipment, supplies, and services for members of local peace councils?

A3: Yes, funds from this program can be used to purchase equipment, supplies, and services for members of local peace councils, if called for as an essential part of a program activities. These activities and purchases must be outlined in advance in the program budget and work plan.