Reconceptualising Transitional Justice: Lessons from Colombia

Colombia provides vivid examples of the many challenges involved in seeking accountability for past human rights violations, challenges that span from legal doctrine and political implications to humanitarian considerations. The Colombian process of transitional justice started in the mid-2000s, with a model that linked the demobilisation of illegal armed groups to the rights of the victims – at the same time and through the same legal instrument. After its initial legislation and implementation, other measures followed to address limitations and demands from victim organisations. This paper aims to provide an overview of how transitional justice mechanisms have developed in Colombia the past decade, in order to address the critical issues that specific implementation raises for broader discussions on accountability and impunity. In many ways, the Colombian experience demonstrates that the need for a reconceptualization of transitional justice is timely and due. The paper is co-authored with Camilo Sanchez and Catalina Vallejo.