The Ombudsman’s Office presented a series of observations that it believes should be taken into account following the commitments signed on December 5 between the national government and the armed group known as Clan del Golfo.
However, the agreement announced from Doha (Qatar) was greeted with anticipation by the organization warned of the need to specify operational and territorial aspects related to the Temporary Location Zones (ZUT) and the protection of communities living in the prioritized areas.
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In its statement, the Ombudsman’s Office noted that these commitments will be met “with hope” as they could be extended to areas where citizens have demanded guarantees for the full exercise of their rights. However, the company made a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening the implementation of the agreement and ensuring the protection of civilians.
In an official statement, the Office of the Ombudsman takes into account the points agreed between the government and the armed group that calls itself the Gaitanist Army of Colombia. In the document The company stressed the existence of increased international support and the creation of a tripartite follow-up, monitoring and verification mechanism.
Among the signed commitments, the Office of the Ombudsman emphasized the following: “The non-recruitment, use and use of adolescent boys and girls under the age of 18 and the elimination of physical and sexual violence against them”, in addition to measures related to migration, protection of nature, respect for the principles of international humanitarian law and “respect and non-interference with the electoral peace in national and territorial political electoral processes”.
One of the central aspects is the announcement about the gradual transfer of members of the armed group to temporary residence zones. According to the ombudsman’s office This could be a step forward, but requires clarity on objectives, operating conditions and timing in order to result in real guarantees for communities and victims..
The company warned that comprehensive safety measures must be implemented for the operation of the ZUTs in order to avoid stigmatizing or instrumentalizing the communities in the areas where these processes are carried out. This was pointed out in the statement The protection of the civilian population must be maintained “before, during and after setting up the zone”with different criteria regarding women, people with different sexual orientations and gender identities, ethnic peoples and children.
In addition, the Ombudsman insisted that early contributions to victims’ rights must be defined according to clear legal guidelines and with institutional support in order to guarantee the principle of non-harm.
The company included additional recommendations to the national government. He pointed out that it is necessary to develop public pedagogical processes to further develop the socio-legal process in the prioritized communities, especially in those where ZUT is planned. Therefore, stressed the importance of communities receiving clear information about the peace process and its implications as a constitutional right.
He also referred to the involvement of ethnic-territorial authorities, pointing out that the processes of socialization and the formation of working groups must intervene effectively and respect their systems of self-government. At this point, the institution called on the government to respond to the repeated requests from the Chocó authorities.
Regarding minors, the Ombudsman’s Office pointed out the need to activate a flexible mechanism to ensure the departure of all persons under the age of 18 who remain in the ranks of the armed group. One of the aspects highlighted was highlighted in the statement Available information on deceased or reported missing minors linked to the conflict must be provided. In addition, practices related to the use of minors in tasks for the armed structure must be suspended.even if they stay in their homes.
In the final part of the statement, the Office of the Ombudsman called on the national government and the Congress of the Republic to create a legal framework that supports this and future efforts to consolidate peace.
According to the statement said frame must “Rely on the Constitution to provide guarantees for both victims and those working for peace“.
The company concluded: “The Office of the Ombudsman is once again making itself available to the discussion room in order to support, within the framework of its autonomy and independence, the fulfillment of the commitments made.”