ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan and Colombian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to partnership, complementarity and victim-centered justice during her first official mission to Bogotá from 4-8 May 2026.
The visit, which took place at the invitation of the Government of Colombia and within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement signed between the OTP and the Government of Colombia in 2021, marked continued strong collaboration between OTP-ICC and Colombian national authorities. It further reflected the Office's continued engagement in relation to recent significant developments in Colombia's transitional justice efforts.
Deputy Prosecutor Khan began her official engagements with an interinstitutional roundtable hosted by the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassi, bringing together relevant Government agencies and judicial authorities engaged in accountability efforts in Colombia.
Discussions reflected that this represents a crucial moment for the transitional justice process in Colombia. Following the landmark issuance of the first sentences by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace ("JEP") of sentences, it was underlined that collective work across all relevant national authorities was essential to ensure effective implementation of sanctions that reflect public condemnation of the criminal conduct and recognition of the suffering of victims, contributing to deterrence. The importance of ensuring continued support for the justice architecture defined under the 2016 Peace Agreement and reflected in the 2021 Cooperation Agreement between the ICC Office of the Prosecutor and the Government of Colombia was also highlighted by Deputy Prosecutor Khan in her intervention.
Deputy Prosecutor Khan stated: "Colombia is a leader in international criminal justice. It is also at an important crossroads in a process that is being followed by so many globally. This is a moment in which we must, collectively, ensure we see the justice process through in Colombia. The Office remains dedicated to working together to protect and advance accountability with all partners, in line with OTP's Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation."
The Deputy Prosecutor also had the opportunity to meet with other high-level officials from the Government, the United Nations and the Diplomatic community.
In her meeting with the Minister of Justice and Law of Colombia, Jorge Iván Cuervo Restrepo, the Deputy Prosecutor appreciated the clear commitment and ongoing support of the Government to the transitional justice process, as well as the recognition that further work is required to strengthen coordination between Government authorities and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in preparation for the implementation of JEP sentences.
Meetings with Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General SRSG and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, and Claudio Tomasi, Acting Resident Coordinator in Colombia, as well as a roundtable discussion with members of the diplomatic community, underlined the importance of ensuring continued engagement and support from the international partners for the transitional justice process in Colombia.
A central component of the mission included direct engagement with civil society organisations and representatives of victims. These exchanges provided an important opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives on progress achieved, persistent challenges, and the support still required in advancing accountability processes in the country. The Deputy Prosecutor reaffirmed OTP's commitment to support a victim-centered approach, ensuring that such voices meaningfully inform and shape its complementarity activities.
During her visit, Deputy Prosecutor Khan also welcomed in-depth discussions with Alejandro Ramelli, President of the JEP and its magistrates as part of the ongoing, strong partnership with the Office. She welcomed JEP's achievements, progress realised across different macro-cases and efforts to design sanctions that include restorative projects with effective restrictions of liberties and rights.
At the end of her mission, Deputy Prosecutor Khan delivered a keynote speech at an academic event focused on partnerships for justice hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. Highlighting the Office's vision of complementarity as a response to current challenges in international criminal justice, she said: " At a time when differences and tensions are too often in the foreground, complementarity can build bridges and show we can deliver more when we work together. Our cooperation must be continuously nurtured and strengthened. The Office stands ready to continue to play its part in ensuring that the transitional justice process in Colombia delivers timely, meaningful results for victims".
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