New York, 28 September 2023: United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC), Ms. Pramila Patten, commends the formal opening by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia of a dedicated case on sexual and gender-based violence, reproductive violence and other gender-based crimes on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity committed in the context of the armed conflict.
“The formal opening of case 11 marks a turning point for the victims of conflict-related sexual violence of the Colombian armed conflict and women-led organizations who for decades have tirelessly and courageously advocated for justice, truth, recognition and reparations”, said Special Representative Patten.
The opening of this case takes into consideration different criteria, including the gravity of the acts and the large number of victims, with a special focus on those who were disproportionately affected by the armed conflict. The case will encompass three sub-cases focusing respectively on: violence perpetrated by FARC-EP members against civilians; violence committed by members of the State security forces against civilians; and violence committed within the ranks of both the FARC-EP and the State security forces. “The significance of this decision towards the advancement of the full recognition of truth and responsibility and in overcoming the historical impunity for these crimes cannot be underestimated”, stressed the Special Representative.
During her visit to Colombia, in May this year, SRSG Patten renewed her Office’s engagement with the Colombian authorities to support efforts on the prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence. In her engagement with the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, SRSG Patten emphasized the full readiness of her mandate to provide technical expertise to support the dedicated case on sexual violence, as well as the integration of conflict-related sexual violence considerations in the other cases opened by the Special Jurisdiction.
“On this historical day for the recognition of the plight and the rights of victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia, I wish to reiterate the offer of support by my Office and the United Nations at large”, concluded SRSG Patten.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Géraldine Boezio, Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Tel: +1 917 367 3306 Email: geraldine.boezio@un.org
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