#SurvivorsUnited Delegation to Colombia 2015

Description

The delegation travelled to Cartagena and Bogotá to hear the experiences of sexual violence survivors and to witness the innovative strategies that are being implemented to advocate for justice. They met with officials in Colombia – including President Santos and the Ministry of Defence- to advocate for survivor reparations to be front and centre in peace negotiations. Delegates also participated in a national live-streamed forum on sexual violence to spotlight the need for justice for survivors.

Campaign

International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict

Taking Action

The delegation met with officials in Colombia – including President Santos and the Ministry of Defence- to advocate for survivor reparations to be front and centre in peace negotiations. Delegates also participated in a national live-streamed forum on sexual violence to spotlight the need for justice for survivors.

Following the trip Jody Williams and others wrote an open letter to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) calling for them to come to an agreement with the Colombian government to demine the country.

Outcomes

Colombian President Santos agreed to bring the topic of sexual violence to the peace negotiations in Cuba.

Shortly after the visit, Colombia made a landmark decision to work together with FARC to demine the rural areas of the country.

In 2016, President Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his resolute efforts to bring an end to Colombia’s 50 years long civil war.

Laureates

Jody Williams
Shirin Ebadi

Delegates

Jineth Bedoya Lima and Hania Moheeb of Survivors United for Action