UN Expert Urges Colombia to Fully Implement 2016 Peace Agreement

Geneva, The United Nations International Human Rights Expert, Antonia Urrejola, has called on Colombia to adopt the 2016 Peace Agreement as a state policy, emphasizing the need for dialogue processes with non-state armed groups to adopt a human rights approach centered on victims. This plea aims to overcome obstacles to the Agreement’s implementation and further peacebuilding efforts in Colombia.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Urrejola’s report to the UN Human Rights Council outlines the significant challenges hindering the Peace Agreement’s full realization, as identified by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in March 2023. While noting progress in comprehensive rural reform and transitional justice, the report stresses that 80% of the Agreement’s signatories remain committed to reintegration into society, despite facing substantial risks.

The 2016 Peace Agreement, designed to address the conflict’s root causes and prevent recurrence, mandates the progressive fulfillment of the State’s human rights obligations, with a focus on economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights. However, the initial years post-Agreement have seen uneven implementation and opposition, undermining public confidence and the transitional justice system.

The report highlights potential obstructions by the Attorney General’s Office to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, particularly in the case of “Jesús Santrich,” a former FARC-EP member and Peace Agreement negotiator. It accuses the Attorney General’s Office of using criminal action to erode trust in the Agreement and the justice system, impacting the reintegration of peace signatories and raising concerns about the impartiality of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace members.

Urrejola recommends that the Attorney General’s Office expedite the investigation into the March 2023 complaint by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, suggesting the formation of an independent expert group to assist in the investigation. She also calls for public updates on the investigation within a year.

The report advises safeguarding the independence of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, ensuring the protection of its personnel, victims, and participants. It also suggests revising extradition procedures to align with Colombia’s human rights obligations and establishing a high-level entity to oversee the Peace Agreement’s implementation, ensuring inter-institutional coordination and adequate funding.

Furthermore, Urrejola emphasizes the importance of dismantling criminal organizations and combating corruption as essential steps toward peace consolidation. She urges the Colombian State to intensify efforts to incorporate the Truth Commission’s recommendations into public policies, especially at local and departmental levels.