TENS of thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Sunday in defence of the country’s peace negotiations between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).

The March for Life was organised by former Bogota mayor Antanas Mockus and endorsed by President Juan Manuel Santos, who marched in the capital, Bogota.

Despite fears that the day would be hampered by far-right supporters of ex-president Alvaro Uribe who do not accept the peace process, the demonstrations across the country went off peacefully.

The government’s far-right opponents boycotted the event, claiming that it didn’t live up to its non-partisan billing and had been “contracted out” to an NGO linked to Prof Mockus by the government.

“It’s so great to march for causes that unite us, and what a beautiful, important cause is life,” Mr Santos said, marching with his family.

“This march is not political, it is not from the government, this march is from Professor Mockus with a good cause.

“And I hope all come with that positive attitude, united without any sort of differences.”

Mr Santos added: “Part of this march is also for women.

“Because women are those who give us life and, for that reason, what a lovely and happy coincidence that it is Women’s Day and the day of the March for Life.”

Marchers took to the streets in Cali, Medellin, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga and Pereira as well as Bogota, and Colombians in Paris, Beijing and other cities around the world marched in sympathy.

Peace negotiations with the Farc guerilla group started in 2012 have gone a long way to ending violence in a country plagued by more than 50 years of conflict.

Significant steps towards peace have been difficult but have included a unilateral ceasefire by Farc and apologies made to all victims of the conflict.

Most recently, Colombia’s military and Farc agreed to a joint plan to remove landmines, which was announced on Saturday.