In a landmark move, the Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) has issued its inaugural convictions against key members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP), marking what the United Nations Human Rights Chief describes as a "crucial milestone" in Colombia's long journey towards peace and justice. The ruling, which addresses horrendous crimes including over 20,000 kidnappings primarily for funding the group’s activities, also encompasses charges of torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances carried out between 1993 and 2012.

Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, emphasized the significance of these convictions in battling impunity and advancing the rights of victims to truth and justice. "After decades of atrocity upon atrocity, these convictions represent a fundamental step in the fight against impunity in Colombia and in fulfilling the rights of victims to truth and justice," Türk stated. He also highlighted the necessity for the Colombian Government to ensure that legal, budgetary, and administrative frameworks are strengthened to effectively enforce the penalties decided by the SJP.

The convicted FARC-EP leaders, who have acknowledged their roles in these crimes, were handed alternative sentences that include movement restrictions and eight years of community labor rather than traditional prison time. Their sentences were mitigated by their cooperation in the truth-seeking process, which is a cornerstone of the SJP’s restorative justice approach. Going forward, they are required to engage in activities such as de-mining, aiding in the search for missing persons, and contributing to memorialization efforts.

The SJP, established as part of the 2016 Peace Accord between Colombia and FARC-EP, operates on principles of restorative justice, aiming to facilitate the country's transition to lasting peace. It has summoned over 14,000 individuals, including former FARC members, military personnel, and other third-party actors. Those who refuse to contribute to the truth-seeking process face much sterner penalties in ordinary courts.

Despite these advancements, Colombia continues to wrestle with ongoing armed conflict and human rights challenges, including the targeting of human rights defenders, the recruitment of children by armed groups, and political violence. Recent government actions, such as budget cuts affecting human rights protections, have drawn international criticism, underscoring the complexities of securing peace and justice in the nation.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has supported the SJP’s processes and calls on the current government to provide the necessary resources to fully implement the tribunal’s decisions, underscoring the importance of global and local commitment to turning the page on decades of violence in Colombia.