Restorative Justice in the Columbian Special Jurisdiction of the Peace: Strengths, Limitations, and Lessons from the Field

• In Event: RJ beyond the mainstream

Abstract

In this presentation, I provide an overview of the Special Jurisdiction of the Peace (JEP) as it is currently operating in Columbia, which investigates major human rights violations during the armed conflict. The JEP incorporates restorative justice principles, making it an innovative transitional justice model that emphasizes the rights of victims, communities, and the environment, and centralises their role in the peacebuilding process. Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of the JEP is that it also specifically aims to reintegrate former combatants into society. Yet, the JEP has several challenges including ongoing conflict between the state and combatants, non-participation of certain groups, political opposition, and risks faced by both victims and ex-combatants in revealing the truth, as evident in post-peace agreement violence. The presentation concludes with suggestions on how restorative justice can be further integrated to overcome challenges faced by the JEP and have a broader impact on Colombian society.

Author

• Kerry Clamp, University of Nottingham