MAPP/OAS HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS/CHALLENGES IN

UNCLAS BOGOTA 002034 SIPDIS FOR WHA/AND E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CO PHUM PGOV KJUS PREL SUBJECT: MAPP/OAS HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS/CHALLENGES IN PARAMILITARY PEACE PROCESS REF: BOGOTA 2013 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The MAPP/OAS (OAS Mission in Support of the Peace Process) eleventh draft report favorably evaluates the GOC reintegration program for demobilized paramilitaries as well as heightened GOC attention to victims, citing greater psychosocial assistance to the former paramilitaries, expansion of legal assistance to victims, and issuance of a new decree on reparations. MAPP/OAS also identifies challenges requiring increased GOC attention, including resolving the uncertain judicial status of 19,000 demobilized paramilitaries, creating additional employment opportunities for the demobilized, obtaining better information on paramilitary child recruitment, and increasing GOC efforts to educate victims about their rights under the Justice and Peace Law (JPL). End Summary Eleventh MAPP/OAS Report Highlights Progress, Provides Recommendations for Continued Success -------------- - ¶2. (SBU) The MAPP/OAS eleventh draft report (please protect until public release) evaluates JPL implementation and progress in recreating the "social fabric" of areas affected by the paramilitaries. The report evaluates both the reintegration process for the demobilized and victims' access to truth, justice, and reparations. Overall, the report is favorable, highlighting the progress made to date, including increased GOC emphasis on victims rights and expanding access to GOC services in rural areas. ¶3. (SBU) Still, MAPP/OAS notes challenges requiring ongoing attention and reiterates that only sustained and expanded services on the part of state institutions can ensure the success of the JPL process. These include the need to clarify the uncertain judicial status of 19,000 demobilized paramilitaries, use the JPL process to obtain more data on paramilitary child recruitment, create more employment opportunities for the demobilized, and increase GOC efforts to educate victims' about their rights. MAPP/OAS coverage of emerging criminal groups is addressed in reftel. Reintegration -------------- ¶4. (SBU) MAPP/OAS states the uncertain judicial status of 19,000 demobilized paramilitaries threatens the framework of the JPL process. A July 11, 2007 Supreme Court decision declared that former United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) members did not qualify for the benefits of Law 782, thereby removing the legal basis for pardoning AUC rank and file members for crimes other than serious human rights violations. MAPP/OAS calls for immediate resolution of the issue. ¶5. (SBU) MAPP/OAS recognizes the GOC's expansion of the scope of services to the demobilized, including individualized services, psychosocial treatment, and better access to health and education. Still, the report warns that many demobilized are dissatisfied with the lack of job opportunities and are seeking increased assistance in finding employment. MAPP/OAS considers the economic reintegration situation "precarious," since most employed demobilized are working in the informal sector. Victims Assistance -------------- ¶6. (SBU) MAPP/OAS notes with satisfaction the high level of victims' participation in the JPL process as well as the GOC's expansion of victims' assistance services. 130,000 victims have joined the JPL process. The 277 voluntary confessions heard to date have clarified crimes against 5,300 victims, including some for which there had been no previous information. The human rights ombudsman represents 4,000 victims and has educated more than 15,500 victims on their JPL rights since May 2006. The Fiscalia has held 131 education sessions, reaching over 20,000 participants. MAPP/OAS also applauds the GOC's expansion of Centers for Integrated Attention for Victims, which offer psychosocial and judicial services to victims. ¶7. (SBU) Underscoring the abundance of information resulting from voluntary confessions, MAPP/OAS notes the lack of Fiscalia forensic staff available to investigate and verify reports on paramilitary victims. For example, 146 remains have been returned to their families as a result of information collected in voluntary confession. Still, the precise location of 3,588 mass graves and the remains of 1,452 victims still require verification. MAPP/OAS recommends more personnel to handle the growing caseload. The report praises the GOC's recent Reparations Decree, which it says could mitigate economic injuries and set reasonable expectations. MAPP/OAS suggests reparations should include access to education and health services as well as cash payments and land restitution. Child Recruitment -------------- ¶8. (SBU) MAPP/OAS hails the GOC's newly created Intersectoral Commission for the Prevention of Recruitment and Use of Children by Illegal Groups. The Commission will focus on prevention and the development of public policy to reduce risk factors. MAPP/OAS calls on the GOC to strengthen this effort by actively seeking information on past child recruitment through voluntary confessions. Expanding Regional-Based Services -------------- ¶9. (SBU) MAPP/OAS underscores the importance of departmental and municipal engagement in the JPL process, highlighting the successes of Antioquia, Santander, and the Medellin municipal authorities. The report praises the inclusion of reintegration strategies in departmental and municipal developmental plans. MAPP/OAS commends the expanding scope of national services, such as the National Commission on Reparation and Reconciliation, which now has nine offices throughout the country. Still, MAPP/OAS criticizes the absence of a GOC national strategy to reach out to all victims, particularly those in rural areas, and calls on the GOC to do more in this regard. Protection -------------- ¶10. (SBU) MAPP/OAS commends the GOC's creation of a protection program for victims. The GOC budgeted over $17 million pesos (about $10,000 USD) in late 2007 to the Colombian National Police's victims' protection program. The Ministry of Interior and Justice also provides protection training to victims; these training programs both educate citizens and enable the GOC to learn what type of services, information, and protection victims may need. BROWNFIELD