In the context of its on-going preliminary examination of the situation in Colombia, a delegation from the Office of the Prosecutor (“OTP” or “Office”) of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) conducted a mission to the Republic of Colombia from 1 to 13 February 2015. The purpose of the mission was for the Office to continue its constructive engagement with the Government of Colombia and to assess progress on national proceedings in relation to the areas of focus identified in the interim report on the situation, published in November 2012, in particular on sexual crimes, the killings known as “false positives” and forced displacement. These are three of the five areas on which the Office is focusing its attention.
The current phase of the preliminary examination of the situation in Colombia requires the OTP to examine relevant national proceedings to determine whether all those most responsible for the most serious crimes under the subject matter jurisdiction of the Court are being brought to account. In particular, the OTP is required to assess whether on-going investigative steps in relation to specific cases are concrete and progressive. The evaluation is not based on future developments, but rather on concrete existing facts.
The Prosecutor reiterates her support to Colombia’s ongoing efforts to bring an end to the decades-long armed conflict, in line with its obligations under the Rome Statute. The principles of the Rome Statute reflect the consensus of the international community in recognizing the integral role of justice in ensuring sustainable peace, stability and security. Peace and justice are indeed mutually reinforcing.
During the visit, the Office held talks with senior officials from the executive and the judiciary, as well as with representatives from civil society and international organisations. Meetings were also held with the Inspector General of the Nation (Procurador General de la Nación) and members of Congress, at their request. The Prosecutor is grateful to the Government of Colombia for facilitating the visit and for providing the necessary support.
The OTP looks forward to continued engagement with the Government of Colombia, and civil society.
