The United Nations said Monday Colombia could be in violation of international law if Congress fails to approve a transitional justice system agreed with demobilized FARC guerrillas.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has been stuck in Congress where lawmakers are reportedly expecting electoral kick-backs for their approval of the justice system that seeks justice for war crimes.
Colombia could declare emergency to save peace process
According to the United Nations’ Colombia office for Human Rights, the approval of the JEP “is essential for the effective fulfillment of international obligations in the field of human rights.”
The Office in Colombia of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights considers that the approval of the statutory bill of the JEP, by the Congress of the Republic, is fundamental for the effective compliance with international obligations regarding rights humans.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Colombia
The UN is in charge of monitoring the peace process that began a year ago after an agreement to end more than half a century of armed conflict that left more than 8 million victims.
Colombia’s Congress has been in charge of the ratification of the different elements of the peace process, but has failed to approve key parts of the peace deal like the transitional justice system and a far-reaching electoral reform.
The submission to the JEP by all the actors of the conflict is the guarantee for clarifying truth and compensating the victims. The granting of judicial benefits to those responsible for international crimes outside of this framework may entail the international responsibility of the State.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Colombia
Multiple congressmen and top members of the military have been tied to war crime investigations that would be tried by the transitional tribunal.
Additionally, with elections held in less than half a year, some congressmen are trying to use their approval as leverage in an attempt to secure funds for their districts.
A failure to ratify the agreement as signed last year could have international consequences, the UN warned.
This is why we remind the Senators and Representatives to the House of their obligation to guarantee human rights, especially the right to justice victims of serious violations, and urge them to move the discussion of bill forward without further delay.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Colombia
The UN has been monitoring the peace process, which can count on much resistance, particularly from political parties that in the past have used paramilitary death squads to coerce the electorate.
As a consequence of the demobilization of paramilitary umbrella organization AUC between 2003 and 2006, more than 60 congressmen and at least seven governors were imprisoned.
The International Criminal Court has said it expects the commander of the armed forces and almost two dozen other top military commanders to be investigated for the mass killing of civilians.
The transitional justice system should prosecute thousands of alleged war criminals, including former FARC commanders, members of the military, (former) elected officials and civilians.
