“” After decades of atrocity to atrocity, these convictions represent a fundamental step in the fight against impunity in Colombia and by realizing the rights of the victims to the truth and the justice, ” he said.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), established under the 2016 peace agreement between the government and the FARC rebels, the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Colombia, published convictions based on restorative justice on Tuesday.
Seven former FARC leaders were found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to more than 20,000 kidnappings, torture, sexual violence and imposed disappearances.
The court allows defendants to refuse their crimes or to recognize them by a “reconnaissance”.
The seven chose the latter, committing to participating in restorative activities, including humanitarian demining, to help in search of missing persons and to contribute to commemoration projects.
These measures aim to amplify the truth, guarantee responsibility and provide reparation to the victims.
The “recognition route” also means that instead of serving childcare sentences in prison, they are faced with restrictions on their movement.
Ball in the Government Court
“” It is now up to the government to take measures so that the legal, budgetary, security and administrative conditions are in place to guarantee that the following sanctions are actually applied and that the responsibility is fully integrated into the system,“Said Mr. Türk.
UN Secretary General António Guterres also praised the decisions, noting that they represent a key step forward.
In a statement Emitted by his spokesperson, the UN chief stressed that the sentences should be fully implemented and that the Colombian authorities ensure that all the conditions are in place for compliance.
“” The United Nations, including through the United Nations verification mission [in the country]It remains firmly determined to support Colombia in its pursuit of peace, justice and sustainable reconciliation,Said Stéphane Dujarric.
First historical step
SJP decisions only mark the first step in a broader responsibility process. Later this week, the court should pronounce its first convictions for former members of the security forces.
These decisions deal with serious violations of human rights, in particular “murders and forced disappearances of civilians by state agents, falsely presented as victims resulting from the fight”, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office, Ohchr.
A long road to come
While the convictions have been welcomed as an important step, UN officials have care that challenges remain.
Armed conflicts continue to affect certain parts of the country and human rights violations – including the murders of rights defenders, recruiting children by armed groups and disproportionate impacts on minorities – remain an urgent concern.
“” The implementation of peace agreements is rarely a fluid or simple process; This often requires dedicated years of effort,“Said Mr. Türk.
“These convictions highlight the progress made, but also the importance of continuing to prioritize the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement to prevent new violations and suffering.”
United Nations Support
Ohchr supported the creation of the SJP and continues to provide technical assistance to its surveys, ensuring that the rights and participation of the victims remain at the heart of the justice process.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
