WCL

International Human Rights Standards and the Colombian Peace Process: The Special Jurisdiction for PeaceÌý

TheÌýAcademy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law ofÌýAmerican 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)."ÌýÌýThe event featuredÌýDr. Roberto Vidal,Ìýpresident of the JEPÌýand aÌýdistinguished legal expert whoÌýhasÌýplayed a vital role in ensuring that the JEP conforms to international human rights standards in the context of the Colombian peaceÌýagreements reached in 2016.

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JEP Speakers
Dr. Roberto Vidal, President of the JEP and the event's speaker, was joined by expert faculty commenters.
JEP conference speakers
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AlongsideÌýDr. Vidal,Ìýthe event brought distinguished WCL expert facultyÌýcommenters together to engage in conversation with Dr. Vidal, includingÌýProf.ÌýDiana Orentlicher, professor of International Law andÌýformerÌýUnited 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.ÌýThe event was moderated by Prof.ÌýDiego 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 participantsÌýwith invaluable insights into theÌýnational and internationalÌýchallenges and complexitiesÌýthat the JEP is facing in implementing its mandate.ÌýAttendees included WCL LLM and JD students, as well as interested actors from the Washington DC legal community.