Press Releases: Supporting Colombia’s Ongoing Peace Process


Press Statement

Robert Palladino

Deputy Spokesperson

Washington, DC
March 15, 2019


The United States welcomes the Colombian government’s efforts to ensure the law implementing the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) complies with the 2016 Peace Accord and the Colombian Constitution. The United States also welcomes actions that ensure that those who commit serious crimes after the signing of the Peace Accord, in violation of the accord’s stated aims to promote non-recurrence, are held accountable to the full extent of the law and are subject to extradition as appropriate and foreseen under the 2016 agreement. The United States reaffirms the importance of Colombia’s expeditiously passing a statute to implement the JEP to ensure it has a solid legal framework to operate effectively and independently.

For over three decades, cooperation between our two governments has proven to be one of the most powerful and effective mechanisms for ensuring the rule of law, pursuing justice, protecting the interests of victims, promoting peace and prosperity, and safeguarding democracy in Colombia. A significant component of this has been one of the world’s most effective extradition relationships, allowing hundreds of dangerous criminals to face justice.

The United States has provided strong support to Colombia’s journey toward peace. We welcome efforts to strengthen accountability for war crimes and violations and abuses of human rights and to ensure that those responsible receive sentences proportionate to the crimes committed, whether by the FARC, paramilitaries, or state agents, including the military in Colombia. The United States views the JEP as an important mechanism for peace and justice in Colombia.