International Human Rights Standards and the Colombian Peace Process: The Special Jurisdiction for Peace
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The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law of American University Washington College of Law recently hosted the highly anticipated event entitled "International Human Rights Standards and the Colombian Peace Process: The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP)." The event featured Dr. Roberto Vidal, president of the JEP and a distinguished legal expert who has played a vital role in ensuring that the JEP conforms to international human rights standards in the context of the Colombian peace agreements reached in 2016.
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Alongside Dr. Vidal, the event brought distinguished WCL expert faculty commenters together to engage in conversation with Dr. Vidal, including Prof. Diana Orentlicher, professor of International Law and former United Nations Independent Expert on Combating Impunity; Prof. Robert Goldman, professor of law and president of the International Commission of Jurists; and Prof. Susana SáCouto, Professorial Lecturer in Residence and Director of the War Crimes Research Office. The event was moderated by Prof. Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-director of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at WCL and former member of the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
The JEP is a ground-breaking transitional justice system that was created to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for the most serious human rights violations perpetrated during the Colombian armed conflict. The JEP tribunal is in charge of prosecuting former guerrillas and members of the Colombian Armed Forces who committed crimes against humanity and war crimes during the conflict.
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This gathering of legal experts provided participants with invaluable insights into the national and international challenges and complexities that the JEP is facing in implementing its mandate. Attendees included WCL LLM and JD students, as well as interested actors from the Washington DC legal community.