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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has hailed the first convictions issued by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) as a “crucial milestone” in the country’s pursuit of accountability and reconciliation.
In its inaugural ruling, the SJP convicted seven senior members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–Popular Army (FARC-EP) for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including over 20,000 kidnappings committed between 1993 and 2012. The group, which formally disbanded in 2016, was also linked to torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances.
High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasized that while the convictions mark a significant advance, they represent only an initial step in a broader effort to uphold victims’ rights and dismantle impunity. He urged the Colombian government to ensure the necessary legal and institutional support for enforcement.
Under the tribunal’s restorative justice framework, the convicted individuals received non-custodial sentences involving movement restrictions and eight years of community labor. They are required to contribute to truth-seeking efforts and participate in initiatives such as de-mining and memorialization.
Established under the 2016 Peace Accord, the SJP has summoned over 14,000 individuals, including FARC members, military personnel, and civilians. Despite progress, Colombia continues to grapple with violence, including threats to human rights defenders and child recruitment by armed groups. Recent budget cuts for human rights protection have drawn criticism from civil society organizations.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Juri Berger | Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, CH
