The Attorney General Office, The Organization of Ibeo-American States (OEI in Spanish), Vivamos Humanos Foundation, Los Andes University and the Department for Social Prosperity (DPS in Spanish) carried out the first Forum concerning Peace Culture and Transitional Justice: Truth.  An event that seeks to know about the right to the truth that  victims of armed conflict have.

A total of 400 people attended this meeting. 116 of them, were  victims of the armed conflict. The opening ceremony was in charge of the Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos; former President Ernesto Samper Pizano, the IEO Director, Ángel Martín Peccis; President of the Constitutional Court, Luis Ernesto Vargas and National Director of Joint Specialized Prosecutors’ Offices, Caterina Heyck.

During Doctor Caterina Heyck’s presentation it was highlighted the importance of victims for State Institutions and explained that they are the survivors of the armed conflict. However, the right to the truth has not occurred in all respects since the truth defined in the 975 Justice and Peace Law relied on confessions made by the paramilitaries but 4359 mass graves and bodies 5591 have been found. These have shown another part of the truth which contribute to clear up the facts.

The official expressed her interest in the fact that the conclusions of the Forum concerning Peace Culture and Transitional Justice: Truth could help to create the Truth Commission  (Comision de Verdad in spanish).

She also referred to the importance of right to truth in relevant situations such as those that the country is living today, since this year the implementation of the 975 Justice and Peace Law  completed its eight year and many Postulados* would be released. She also added that the Attorney General Office will provide a certificate including information about the assets that were handed over and offenses committed after the demobilization process and in this way, it will be determined which Postulado will have the right to be released.

The Forum concerning Peace Culture and Transitional Justice: Truth is scheduled until tomorrow July 24 at the premises of  Bogota Chamber of Commerce, Chico Headquarters.

 

*Postulados: demobilized members of illegal armed groups who postulated to obtain a benefit from the Justice and Peace Law.