UK Parliamentarians and Embassy Support the Truth Commission and Victims in Exile

The following statement was made Lord Alderdice, Lord Browne of Ladyton and Baroness Coussins for the VII Encuentro por la Verdad (VII Encounter for Truth):

“As a strong supporters of the Colombian Peace Process we welcome the VII Encuentro por la Verdad (VII Encounter for Truth). The importance of uncovering the truth of what happened to victims in the Colombian conflict is essential for creating a strong foundation for sustainable Peace Building.

Truth, Justice and Reconciliation importantly address impunity, enabling the cycle of violence to be broken. The Transitional Justice mechanisms in Colombia provide a forum for both the victims and perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to tell their story, get a clear picture of the past in order to facilitate genuine healing and reconciliation.

For too long the pain and suffering of victims in the Colombian conflict has been hidden. We acknowledge the pain and fear that forced many Colombians into exile in the UK and hope that this event will enable them to be supported by the Truth Commission to give their testimonies. Thereby, allowing the truth of what happened to them and their families in the Colombian conflict to be heard.  

We fully support the work that, the Truth Commission, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the Search Unit for the disappeared, are doing to reveal the truth, and address issues of justice, reparation and non-repetition for human rights violations and abuses, to over 8.6 million victims of the Colombian armed conflict. 

This legitimate and internationally recognised work is laying a strong foundation for sustainable peace in Colombia. “

Catherine West MP Shadow Minister, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – Minister for Europe, and Fabian Hamilton MP Shadow Minister, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – Minister for Peace and Disarmament sent the following statement of support:

“The Truth Commission does vital work to ensure the Colombian Peace Agreement is upheld and human rights violations are challenged. This event looks to expand on that work and we’re delighted that the voices of social activists, human rights defenders and trade unionists are being heard.”

Patrick Grady MP, SNP Chief Whip, sent the following statement of support:

“The Colombian Truth Commission has a key role to play in bringing about the peace envisioned by the 2016 agreement. I hope all those participating in the V11 Encuentro por la Verdad will speak their testimonies clearly and with courage, and that the process will be an important step on the road to justice for all those whose human rights have been abused and disregarded during the conflict.”

UK Ambassador Colin Martin-Reynolds CMG message of support for the essential work of the Truth Commission and the victims living in exile in the UK. https://twitter.com/i/status/1326558316252815361

ENCUENTRO POR LA VERDAD La voz de los exiliados, pieza clave para el relato colectivo del conflicto armado que construye la Comisión de la Verdad El Encuentro por la Verdad ‘El retorno de nuestras voces’, es un acto de reconocimiento de la dignidad, impactos, contextos, persistencias y afrontamientos de las personas que tuvieron que salir del país en el marco del conflicto armado.