(New York, 02 October 2015) United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura welcomes the Joint Communiqué regarding the Agreement for the creation of a Special Jurisdiction for Peace of 23 September between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) that brings Colombia closer to the end of the hemisphere’s longest armed conflict.
The parties have agreed to create a Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which prioritises the rights of the victims, including in the areas of truth seeking, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition.
“I am particularly glad that the parties have agreed that there will be no amnesties for the most serious crimes, including sexual violence. This constitutes a crucial step forward in the fight against impunity.”
“The peace process in Colombia marks a milestone in explicitly addressing gender discrimination and sexual violence in the conflict. The establishment of a Gender Sub-Commission to ensure the integration of a gender perspective in the negotiations, and the participation of sexual violence survivors and leaders of women’s rights organisations in the peace talks are unprecedented and should be an inspiration for other peace processes around the world,” Special Representative said.
The Special Representative visited Havana in May 2015 to discuss conflict-related sexual violence with the delegations of the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP to the peace dialogue.
The Government of Colombia has taken important steps in recent years to address conflict-related sexual violence. These include: the adoption of a robust legislative framework, the establishment of protection mechanisms, and the design of a comprehensive reparations programme for victims of sexual violence. It would be essential that these important mechanisms are now effectively implemented.
Special Representative Bangura’s Office, through the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law/Sexual Violence in Conflict, has been supporting the efforts of national authorities over the past few years, including through the provision of expert input to the ground-breaking Law 1719 on Access to Justice for Victims of Sexual Violence in Colombia adopted on 18 June 2014.
It is essential that the protection and empowerment of women and girls remain at the centre of the peace talks in Havana.
Special Representative Bangura’s Office reiterates the message of the Secretary-General expressing the United Nations’ commitment to continue supporting the parties as they advance towards a peace agreement, and in its successful implementation for the advancement of peace, human rights and development in Colombia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paulina Kubiak, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Communications Officer in New York +1(917) 367-3819 or kubiakp@un.org.