UN chief welcomes first peace court sentences in Colombia

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) issuing its first restorative sentences, calling the rulings "a historic milestone" in the country's 2016 Final Peace Agreement.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the issuance by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace of its first restorative sentences, a historic milestone in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement of 2016," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The sentences, which apply to former commanders of the FARC-EP guerrilla group, will be followed this week by rulings for former members of Colombia's public security forces, according to the court.

"The first sentences of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace mark a key step forward for the innovative mechanisms of transitional justice in the Agreement, which seek to foster truth, ensure accountability for the most serious crimes committed during Colombia’s armed conflict, as well as to provide redress to victims," the statement said.

Urging those sentenced to "maintain their commitment to peace by fully complying with their sentences," Guterres also called on "all sentenced individuals to maintain their commitment to peace by fully complying with their sentences, and for Colombian governmental and state authorities to ensure that all conditions are in place for the sentences to be carried out."

The statement added that the UN Verification Mission in Colombia remains committed to supporting the country "in its pursuit of lasting peace, justice and reconciliation."