The Colombian Truth Commission: a Public Dialogue

The Colombian Truth Commission and Embrace Dialogue warmly invite you to this public dialogue, supported by Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy, to learn more about the work of the Colombian Truth Commission.

The Colombian Truth Commission (Comisión de Esclarecimiento de la Verdad, Convivencia y No Repetición) was set up as part of the peace process between the Colombian Government and the FARC guerrilla in 2016. The Truth Commission seeks to uncover the truth surrounding human rights violations and abuses which were carried out during decades of internal conflict. In particular it seeks to bring to light the collective responsibilities of society in the Colombian human rights crisis, not only the responsibilities of the security forces, paramilitaries and the FARC but also those of political sectors and economic sectors (including international interests).

The Commission has three main objectives:

• To promote knowledge and acknowledgement of human rights abuses and violations which took place in the conflict.

• To promote coexistence (Convivencia)

• Promote non-repetition

As part of its work the Truth Commission is seeking to gather testimonies of victims/witnesses and even perpetrators of these crimes. In this public dialogue, we will be joined by:

• Dr Carlos Beristain, Commissioner of the Truth Commission responsible for international work

• Peter Drury, Representative in the UK of the Truth Commission

• Commission representatives working in Colombia

We are particularly keen for members of the Colombian community in the Oxford area to attend the meeting, to find out more about the Commission and if they are interested in presenting their testimonies to find out the process for doing so.