Insecurity and conflict prevention

Justice, truth and reparation in Colombia

M. Costa / Panos Pictures

Since 2002 a dialogue process and demobilisation of paramilitary groups has taken place in Colombia, with 31,671 members of illegal armed groups pledging to lay down their arms. Amidst intense pressure from paramilitary groups, there is a danger that the process is utilised to guarantee impunity and does not ultimately lead to the dismantling of paramilitary structures. This working paper explores the international legal framework with regards to justice, truth and reparation and asks to what extent Colombia’s framework is in line with these parameters, especially in the light of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Justice and Peace Law.

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