The International Organization for Migration (OIM) signs a memorandum of support for Colombia’s Victims Law, which is currently making its way through the legislative process.
Vice President Angelino Garzon said that the law would be an invaluable tool, but could have ended up being “a dead letter” if not for the support of international bodies such as the OIM.
The proposed Victims Law lays out a process of reparation and assistance available to the more than 4 million Colombians affected by the country’s armed conflict.
Victims of violence perpetrated by the guerrillas, paramilitaries and government forces will all be eligible under the law.
The document signed by Garzon and OIM Colombia Chief Marcelo Pisani also includes the development of a common agenda for promoting human rights, protecting migrant populations and preventing children from involvement in armed conflict.
“IOM attaches great importance to working with the Colombian government in the development of all initiatives to restore the rights of victims of displacement, forced recruitment and many other expressions of violence as a precondition for lasting peace,” said Pisani.
The Inernational Organization for Migration was set up in 1951 to help resettle people displaced by World War II. The IOM has 127 member states and is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
