Colombia's peace transition under pressure: Victims' rights urged as president‑elect targets peace court

The Defensoría del Pueblo called on the incoming Colombian government and Congress to make the protection of victims’ rights a central policy pillar, citing the sixth monitoring report “Tejidos para la reparación.” The report notes advances such as the extension of the Victims Law, higher compensation for survivors of sexual violence, land restitution, and improved searches for the disappeared, while flagging persistent gaps in collective reparations for ethnic groups, women, LGBTI people and victims living abroad, as well as funding shortfalls.

Simultaneously, president‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, labelled the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) a “failed” court and pledged to dismantle it. The JEP, established by the 2016 peace accord with the former FARC, is constitutionally protected and supported by the International Criminal Court. It has processed more than 14,000 suspects—roughly 70 % former guerrillas, 29 % security forces, and the remainder civilians—and its mandate runs until 2028 with a possible extension. Legal experts warn that dismantling the tribunal would face constitutional and international obstacles, even as armed groups such as dissident FARC factions, ELN and Clan del Golfo continue violent activities.