The Search for Missing Persons - The Humanitarian Imperative in Transitional Justice

Join us for a talk examining the establishment of Colombia's first state institution dedicated to directing and coordinating the search for missing persons in the context of the armed conflict. Drawing on the experience of designing and launching this institution, it offers analysis and insight into the right to search for missing persons and the State's obligations to ensure effective guarantees.

The discussion explores how transitional justice mechanisms can create opportunities to develop adequate and reparative measures that uphold victims' right to search for their loved ones. It also identifies key lessons learned—both the opportunities and challenges—arising from the creation of a humanitarian and extrajudicial mechanism that is autonomous and independent, and tasked exclusively with ensuring victims' rights in truth and reparation throughout the search process. 

RSVP required to chrlp.law [at] mcgill.ca.

Luz Marina Monzón Cifuentes is a Colombian human rights lawyer and academic dedicated to representing victims of human rights violations.