We advise on the Protection of the rights that assist armed conflict victims in Colombia.

The 975 of 2005 Law and International Humanitarian Law, states that victims have the right to truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition. These rights become effective when they are given the possibility of participating during the process to ask questions, provide evidence, report assets of armed groups organized outside the law or their members, provide and receive information, formulate their claim to comprehensive repair, among other intervention modalities.

We advise and accompany the victims in reparation processes aimed at asserting their rights within the current legal framework, based on the following:

  • Right to the truth: It is the inalienable right that society has and especially the victims of knowing the reality about the facts committed by the armed groups, their authors and the causes, and to know what happened to their missing or abducted family members and the whereabouts of these. This is not only an individual right, but also a collective right. Confession is the mechanism to guarantee the right to the truth, even in International Humanitarian Law.
  • Right to justice: Victims have the right to have the State investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for the crimes committed. In that sense, the State has the duty to carry out an effective investigation that leads to the identification, capture and punishment of persons responsible for crimes committed by members of armed groups organized outside the Law, to assure the victims of those behaviors. access to effective remedies that repair the damage inflicted and take all measures aimed at preventing the repetition of such violations.
  • Right to comprehensive reparation: Includes actions that tend for restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition of behavior. It can be symbolic, real, individual or collective.
  • Access to justice from the beginning of the corresponding process to know the truth of the fact that caused damage. Be heard, provide evidence and receive permanent information about the process.
  • Request and obtain protection for their safety when threatened or against potential risks or dangers.
  • Require and promote the Comprehensive Repair Incident.
  • Receive assistance from the Ombudsman for the exercise of their rights and within the framework of the law.
  • Be treated throughout the procedure in a human and dignified way.
  • To be informed about the final decision regarding criminal prosecution and to lodge appeals when necessary.
  • Be assisted and represented by a trusted lawyer or by the Public Ministry, notwithstanding that they can act directly.
  • Receive free assistance from a translator or interpreter, in the event of not knowing the language or of not being able to perceive the language through the sense organs.
  • Receive help and comprehensive assistance from the State for recovery.