IACHR Completes Working Visit to Colombia Regarding Transition Cases and Friendly Settlements

May 24, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) conducted a working visit to Colombia over the period May 21–24, 2024, with the aim of promoting justice and comprehensive redress for victims of human rights violations in the country. The IACHR delegation was led by Commissioner José Luis Caballero Ochoa, the IACHR's Rapporteur for Colombia. The visit sought to foster the implementation of concrete measures to ensure comprehensive redress in petitions and cases involving friendly settlements and transitions in the country.

For three days starting on May 22, Commissioner Caballero and the technical staff of the IACHR's Executive Secretariat took part in crucial events, including signings of friendly settlement agreements, events to comply with Commission recommendations, and events to acknowledge State responsibility in iconic cases like 12,842—Luis Giován Laverde Moreno et al. and 13,602—Nelson Enrique Giraldo Ramírez and Family. Three further friendly settlement agreements were signed, in cases 14,802–José Alirio Cañas and Family, 14,304—Jhon Fredy Lopera Jaramillo and Family, and 11,990B—Jean Carlo Cavarique. Various working meetings were also held to monitor the implementation of friendly settlement agreements in cases 11,007—Trujillo Massacre and 12,376—Alba Lucía Rodríguez, as well as in a case where a friendly settlement is currently being negotiated.

Highlighting a commitment to justice and redress, a landmark event was held on May 22 at the Planetarium in Bogotá in compliance with the friendly settlement agreement in case 15,172—Gloria Lara and Her Children, as the State acknowledged its international responsibility for violations of their human rights. Also on May 22, a working meeting was held to help the parties move closer to complying with the recommendations made by the Commission to the State of Colombia in a Merits Report issued in keeping with Article 50 of the American Convention. Commissioner Caballero further took part in the signing of three compliance agreements and in an event to acknowledge the State's international responsibility, in cases where agreements are currently being implemented. The information gathered by the delegation will enable further monitoring of these cases, which will support the decision on whether these agreements are published or the relevant cases are taken to the Inter-American Court.

The Commission thanks Colombia's National Legal Defense Agency for its cooperation and for providing the logistics required to hold events in the context of this working visit. The IACHR welcomes and values the Colombian State's efforts to develop a policy to promote the search for friendly settlements, comply with friendly settlement agreements, and resolve cases that are currently being handled by the individual petition and case system. The IACHR notes the State's efforts to get closer to victims and to do so respectfully and in a considerate manner.

The Commission profoundly acknowledges the efforts, resilience, and huge courage of victims and their representatives. Their tireless, brave work in close cooperation with the State has been crucial to identify and adopt the measures required to ensure comprehensive reparations for victims. This joint commitment is a major step toward justice and toward the reconstruction of Colombia's social fabric. It shows that, with the required will and determination, it is possible to look forward to a future where the human rights of all individuals are respected and protected.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 113/24

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