A Critical Systems Thinking Reflection on the Impact of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace Tribunal (JEP) in Colombia

Authors

  • MARIA C ORTEGON M
  • Dr. Alvaro Carrizosa Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

Keywords:

Critical Systems Thinking; Special Jurisdiction for Peace Tribunal (JEP); Colombian Peace Process, Final Agreement.

Abstract

For two months Colombia, one of the ‘strongest democracies’ in Latin America, is under national strike. The levels of violence reported are unprecedented. The initial but questioned optimism of the peace treaty signed in 2016 between the government and the largest and oldest guerrilla group, FARC-EP (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army), is vanishing quickly. A key role in this situation is played by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace Tribunal- JEP aimed at consolidating the transition towards overcoming conflict.

This paper reflects from a Critical Systems Thinking perspective on the impact of JEP as system from which a “reverse hierarchy of oppression” emerged in Colombian society. It reveals that this special tribunal for justice involved assuming a reductionist approach that generated undesirable outcomes: (a) a weakened justice system (impunity) and (b) a cracked institutionality of the government; overall, a rationale of assuming crime as a form of social justice.

 

Author Biographies

MARIA C ORTEGON M

Founder and Member of Red Familia Colombia

Dr. Alvaro Carrizosa, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

Lecturer at the Management Faculty.

Published

2022-02-24 — Updated on 2022-02-24

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