Colombia: Sexual and Gender based Violence in Conflict and Advances in Transitional Justice

Organised by the PHRG and ABColombia.

Panellists, event organisers, parliamentarians and representative from the FCDO.

 Speakers:

• Katerine Jurado Díaz - Director of Sisma Mujer, Colombian Women’s Organisation

• Yirley Velasco Garrido - Mujeres Sembrando Vida, Colombian grassroots organisation

• Nancy Benitez – Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Colombia to the UK

• Louise Winstanley -  Programme and Advocacy Manager, ABColombia

Chair: Kim Johnson MP

Summary:

This panel discussion assessed the situation regarding current and historic sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in Colombia and the ways in which the UK could support accountability for these crimes in the context of the country’s transitional justice process.

Main points:

• The women’s movement in Colombia managed to secure gender provisions throughout the Peace Accord, a testament to the importance of women’s role in peacebuilding. 

• Patriarchal attitudes, however, continue to be a barrier to progress, and the realisation of peace is complicated by the differing levels of development and inequality within the country.

• The Colombian Government must prioritise justice for sexual violence but appears to be less focused on gender issues. There needs to be continued dialogue, and planning for next year’s election outcome.  

• Accountability for sexual violence will strengthen, not hinder the peace process.

• Colombia faces significant issues with SGBV, including within the context of the current humanitarian crisis, and impunity is high, with a 97% rate of impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence.

• Women HRDs in particular face serious threats to their lives and families’ lives in carrying out their work, and are at heightened risk of sexual violence.

• In 2023, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) opened Macrocase 11, a national case to investigate SGBV committed during the conflict, and in November 2024, Colombia drafted its first ever National Action Plan (NAP) 1325, after extensive consultation with women and civil society.  The responsibility for execution will be at local level.

• NAP 1325, along with Macro Case 11 and the peace accords more broadly, offer hope for accountability for sexual violence but these mechanisms must be integrated.

• The UN’s work in Colombia has made a significant contribution to the implementation of peace, particularly in relation to WPS, but certain aspects of the UN Verification Mission, including the gender mission, have been cut back, after pressure from the US in September, as has the presence of UNHCHR staff.  International support more generally remains vital.

• At the JEP, accusations of SGBV are largely met with denialism of such crimes or a denial of responsibility on the part of senior individuals for crimes taking place under their command.

• While consultation with women in the peace process is crucial – there is no peace without women, they must also be involved in decision-making roles.

The PHRG will, further to the recommendations put forward by the speakers, call on the UK Government to: remain focused on peace and justice in Colombia, including as regards tackling impunity for SGBV; monitor the implementation of Colombia’s NAP 1325 and the Colombian Government’s focus on the WPS agenda; and, ensure its NAP 1325 includes Colombia as a focus country.