Over 35,000 victims of sexual violence in Colombia’s conflict - JEP tribunal
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal revealed in late September that more than 35,000 individuals have been subjected to sexual, gender, and reproductive violence during Colombia's armed conflict.
The investigation, initiated by the JEP, highlights the disproportionate impact on women, girls, and individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Judge Lily Rueda, speaking at a press conference, stated, "The court finds that acts of gender violence and prejudice occurred during the armed conflict when perpetrators abused the control afforded to them by weapons and the exercise of armed power to select victims and commit the crimes."
An initial analysis indicated that right-wing paramilitary groups were responsible for approximately 33% of these crimes, followed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and members of the security forces. In 30% of cases, the perpetrator's group remained unidentified.
According to the tribunal, the majority of victims, nearly 90%, were women between 1957 and 2016, with 35% being children or adolescents at the time of the crimes.
The JEP's investigation will encompass gender-based violence against civilians perpetrated by FARC members and security personnel, including army and police members. It will also examine gender-based violence that occurred within the ranks of these groups.
The JEP was established as part of the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the demobilized FARC, marking the end of the rebel group's involvement in a conflict that claimed over 450,000 lives.
The tribunal's mandate includes prosecuting former FARC rebels and military leaders for alleged war crimes, with the authority to impose lighter sentences compared to the ordinary justice system.
