"Full Reparations Must Be Guaranteed" for Displaced Victims in Colombia

[gbscar]

"Full Reparations Must Be Guaranteed" for Displaced Victims in Colombia
Helda Martínez interviews Colombian human rights activist Marco Romero, president of the Consultancy on Human Rights and Displacement (CODHES).

BOGOTA, Jun 10, 2011 (IPS) - Human rights groups and small farmers' associations will keep close watch in Colombia to make sure the new Victims' and Land Restitution Law, signed by President Juan Manuel Santos Friday, is effectively implemented. Under the new law, victims of the armed conflict since 1985 will be eligible for reparations, while those displaced since 1991 can file a petition to have their land returned to them. But while it has been widely welcomed, the new law has also drawn calls for effective enforcement.

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Q: What is the key feature of the Victims and Land Restitution Law?

A: First, the recognition of the state's responsibility towards the victims of the guerrillas, paramilitaries and government agents. This is a major achievement in a country that tends towards cynicism, where rights are only halfway vindicated and reality is denied, along the lines of what former president (Álvaro) Uribe did. For Uribe the aim was to combat subversion by ignoring the victims, refusing to respect international humanitarian law, and denying that forced displacement exists, calling the victims merely "migrants".

The restitution of land is also important. The state has recognised that people were massively dispossessed of 6.6 million hectares of land, and that this is the magnitude of the challenge.

Q: And the main shortcomings of the law?

A: That in its design, it has fallen short with respect to reflecting international treaties and principles. Furthermore, in its implementation there are risks, because the social services and housing subsidies to which the average Colombian has a right cannot be considered reparations. Full reparations must be guaranteed.

According to our estimates, the reparations would represent a sum equivalent to 40 million dollars, without counting the moral damages. It's true that virtually no society could afford to pay the entire amount, but we must come as close as possible, because the victims deserve, for themselves and their children, education, including higher education, decent housing and incomes, and opportunities to contribute to society by moving out of the informal economy.

Q: In your view, what limitations will have to be overcome to implement the law?

A: The law's main enemy, 'Uribismo' (the pro-Uribe faction in politics) must be isolated, and the commitment of other political parties must be secured. In addition, Colombian society, which at times is autistic, must take on responsibility and learn about the issue, without flippantly stating that the victims are asking for too much. Furthermore, the victims must be accompanied, especially in rural areas, because the restitution of land is taking place amidst the bullets.

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http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=56033

[Judi Lynn]

1. Colombia: Victims Law a Historic Opportunity

Colombia: Victims Law a Historic Opportunity
Bold Measures Needed to Protect Beneficiaries
June 10, 2011

(Washington, DC) – Colombia’s new Victims and Land Restitution Law offers a historic opportunity to restore millions of acres of land to Colombians who have been driven from their homes by violence, Human Rights Watch said today. Successful implementation of the law will depend on the government’s ability to protect displaced communities from the powerful armed groups that oppose the restitution of these lands.

Signed into law by President Juan Manuel Santos on June 10, 2011, the legislation, commonly referred to as the Victims Law, aims to return stolen and abandoned land to internally displaced Colombians and provide reparations – including financial compensation – to victims of human rights violations and infractions of international humanitarian law.

“Colombia has today taken a major step toward addressing the legacy of violence and abuse that has affected millions of citizens,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. “By passing this historic legislation, President Santos and the Colombian Congress have advanced the fundamental right of forcibly displaced people and other victims to obtain reparation for the abuses they have endured.”

Over the past two decades, more than 3.7 million Colombians have been forcibly displaced by paramilitaries, guerrillas, and state forces, leaving behind an estimated 16 million acres of land.
Displaced communities seeking restitution of their lands have been subject to repeated violence, threats, and intimidation. An estimated 50 leaders involved in these efforts have been assassinated since 2005. On June 7, an unidentified gunman shot and killed Ana Fabricia Córdoba, a prominent community leader from Medellin who had campaigned for land restitution. Córdoba had reported multiple death threats prior to her murder.

More:
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/10/colombia-victims-law-historic-opportunity

[dipsydoodle]

2. BBC link to same

Colombia has passed a controversial law which aims to compensate an estimated four million victims of the country's long-running armed conflict.

The Victims' Law, described by President Juan Manuel Santos as "historic", allows damages to be paid to relatives of those killed.

It also seeks to restore millions of hectares of stolen land to its rightful owners.

Analysts say implementing the law is a huge challenge that may take a decade.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13736523

[Judi Lynn]

3. It would work out so much better for the victims if they didn't kill them first!

On edit:

My rec. was stolen to this thread.