A second group of 12 victims representatives arrived in Havana on Tuesday to talk with the delegations of rebel group FARC and the Colombian government about the treatment of victims in the event of a peace deal between the country’s oldest rebel group and the state.
Nine women and three men take part in the second of five delegations.
Among the victims is the sister of Jaime Garzon, a comedian and journalist who was slain 15 years ago. The murder of Garzon is yet to be solved, but it is believed to have been orchestrated by AUC leaders.
MORE: No peace for Jaime Garzon, Colombia’s top comedian slain exactly 15 years ago
It’s not as clearly defined who are victims of FARC or other groups in the second delegation, because several of them are victims of various groups or unknown perpetrator.
The delegation is the second of five groups of victims that will join the reparations discussion. Ultimately, 60 civilians who are victims of FARC, government, and paramilitary attacks will participate in the negotiations.
The representatives are selected by the United Nations (UN) and the National University (NU).
MORE: Colombia conflict victims face victimizers at FARC peace talks in Cuba
Last time each victim met individually with the delegations and was given some 15 to 20 minutes to expose ideas and answer questions from the delegates.
According to official statistics, the conflict has left more than 6 million victims, 220 thousand of which were killed.
The government and the FARC have been negotiating peace since late 2012 and have already agreed on rural reforms, drug trafficking and political participation.
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Full list delivered by the UN
Teresita Gaviria
Her son, Christian Camilo Quiroz, disappeared in 1998 at the age of 15. She is also founder of the Mothers of the Candelaria, an organization dedicated to highlight and clarify facts of enforced disappearance.
Juanita Barragan
Victim of forced recruitment by the FARC. She joined the guerrilla group at age 13 and after a confrontation with the army she demobilized. She participated in various government demobilization programs and has been supported by the Benposta organization. She is 26 years.
Marisol Garzon
Sister of Jaime Garzon, a journalist and comedian murdered 15 years ago in Bogota. The murder is investigated and believed to be orchestrated by paramilitaries and state agents.
Gloria Luz Gomez
Sister of Leonardo Gomez, student leader who disappeared on November 14, 1983. Gomez’ body was found days later with signs of torture. Gloria Luz Gomez is coordinator of the Relatives of the Disappeared Association.
Esau Lemos Manturana
Afro-descendant displaced from Bagado, human rights defender and member of the National Board for Victims.
Reinel Barbosa
Landmine victim and victim of forced displacement. Has permanent physical disabilities as a result of the injuries. Part of the National Network of Organizations of landmine survivors and people with disabilities and the National Bureau of Victims.
Gabriel Bisbicuis
Governor of the indigenous Awa people, located in Nariño. The group has been violated by all armed groups and is one of the 34 indigenous groups protected by law because they are at risk of physical, cultural and espiritula destruction.
Maria Choles Toro
Victim of sexual violence and gender by multiple armed actors. Currently is part of the Alliance Fundehubicol Colombian Women Initiative for Peace-IMP, the Bureau of District Participation of Santa Marta and the Bureau of Departmental participation Magdalena process. She is also delegated to the National Bureau for the fact of sexual violence.
Marleny Orjuela
Marleny Orjuela was kidnapped by the FARC in Miraflores, Guaviare, on August 3, 1998 and released in 2001.
Esperanza Uribe
Wife of Pablo Antonio Beltran, judge in San Gil, Santander. In the community of La Rochela, in January 1989, a paramilitary group kidnapped a 15-person commission of judicial officials who were investigating the civic and military responsibilities involved in various massacres committed in the Magdalena Medio zone. The paramilitaries shot at the group, killing 12, among others Pablo Beltran, and injuring the other three, according to Center for Justice and Law.
Yessika Hoyos Morales
Daughter of unionist Jorge Dario Hoyos Franco, who was killed on March 3, 2001. Killed by a member of the National Police, two paramilitaries and one member of the Army.
Consuelo Gonzalez de Perdomo
She was kidnapped on September 10, 2001, on the road from Pitalito (Huila) that leads to Neiva. At the time of the kidnapping she was House Representative for the State of Huila. She was released with the intervention of Piedad Córdoba in January 2008.
Sources
- El nuevo grupo de 12 víctimas que irá a La Habana (UN/NU press statement)
- The Rochela Massacre / Colombia (Center for Justice and Law)
