The forced displacement of indigenous peoples in Colombia

Abstract

The creation of more than seven million internally-displaced persons and the subsequent territorial expropriation in the context of the internal armed conflict in Colombia constitute both a humanitarian and a human rights tragedy. Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants have especially been affected by forced displacement and loss of their ancestral territories. Some of these people are in a situation very close to extinction. International and domestic legal standards have progressively developed the rights of victims to truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition. Restitutive justice, a human rights approach, and differential attention are essential ingredients for a consistent public policy to adequately deal with IDPs, especially those of indigenous origin, given their special relationship with their lands and territories. The General Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict and the Construction of Stable and Lasting Peace is to be regarded as a window of opportunity for the protection of the rights of IDPs and for the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in Colombia.

Key words: Colombia; internally-displaced persons; indigenous peoples; Peace Agreement