Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a transitional justice court established in 2016 as part of a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), faces substantial budget reductions that could impair its operations. The administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella announced cuts valued at approximately 181 billion Colombian pesos, or roughly $57 million, for the 2027 budget. Additionally, a Senate committee advanced legislation to eliminate the court entirely by March 2028, proposing to transfer its functions to the general court system.
The court has been instrumental in investigating crimes committed during Colombia’s internal armed conflict, which has claimed more than 450,664 lives over six decades. Victims and their families, including Angela Cordon, whose father and uncle disappeared in 2003, have relied on JEP to obtain information about their missing relatives and achieve some degree of closure. De la Espriella justified the budget reductions as necessary measures to address Colombia’s rising public debt, which exceeds $370 billion, stating in a September statement that he must manage spending responsibly and allocate resources to serve all citizens equitably.
However, critics contend the reductions extend beyond fiscal necessity. De la Espriella has repeatedly criticized JEP as ineffective and accused it of bias against military members while being lenient toward rebel fighters. He has characterized the court’s investigations as “persecuting the heroes of the homeland” while failing to hold guerrilla members accountable for crimes against humanity. The 2027 budget, which represents the largest spending package in the country’s history, increased overall government spending, raising questions about whether fiscal constraints are the primary driver of the JEP cuts.
Victims’ rights advocates dispute the administration’s characterization of JEP’s performance. Ana Maria Rodriguez, a lawyer representing conflict victims, described bias accusations as “patently false” and noted that the court has convicted senior FARC leadership. She warned that budget reductions will result in fewer convictions and increased impunity, as many perpetrators have faced justice only through JEP mechanisms. The court has offered leniency to soldiers, rebels, and other participants in exchange for cooperation, typically resulting in community service rather than imprisonment.
With more than 100,000 people reported missing in Colombia’s conflict, the court’s ability to pursue cases depends significantly on witness cooperation programs that require adequate funding. Responding to concerns about the anticipated cuts, more than 20 Colombian Congress members submitted a letter to the International Criminal Court requesting support to protect JEP’s investigative and prosecutorial work.
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