Stefan Krauth

Transitional Justice Officer 
OEA Mission to Support the Peace Process in Columbia (MAPP) 

Operating period: 2023 to 2025

Previous positions:  

• Civil Peace Service in El Salvador: Investigating child abductions during the civil war and supporting victims of the conflict
• GIZ in Ecuador (3 years): Advising the Ministry of Justice on issues relating to the reform of criminal procedure law
• Study of law and doctorate in legal philosophy

What were your responsibilities in your role as Transitional Justice Officer? 

Among other things, I monitored and evaluated legislative proposals – and worked hard to advance compensation for the approximately 100,000 victims of the armed conflict. I also advised the government and legislators on reforms to provide a legal framework for the peace process. I drew attention to areas where action was needed and put issues on the political agenda, conducted interviews and, in some cases, held talks with representatives of armed groups, some of whom are unable to talk to each other, in order to reach a consensus. 

What were you able to achieve on the ground? 

We managed to put the issue of victim compensation back on the agenda, one of the major promises made in the peace process. Because little had been done for a long time, there was a sense of resignation and mistrust. We were able to bring the relevant actors – the public prosecutor's office, the judiciary, the constitutional court, the authority responsible for compensating victims with the profits skimmed off – to the table. And we supported the government in drafting a law on the demobilisation of armed groups. It is now being debated in parliament, which I am pleased about. A legal framework is needed to protect victims and provide the necessary legal certainty.

What will you take away from your work in Colombia? 

Without political will, there can be no functioning institutions. Otherwise, legal reforms remain ‘technical’ and ineffective. But most importantly, having heard and experienced the fates of the victims and seen the circumstances under which they fight for their rights and survival – that will certainly stay with me forever. 

What are your hopes for Colombia? 

There is still much to be done: curbing the financing of armed groups and continuing to provide international support for the peace process. And ultimately, ensuring that the criminal justice system is strong enough to take action against crime committed by some powerful individuals. Then there will no longer be any need for a peace mission.

„Thank you for what you have done for our country. Thank you for taking difficult paths and speaking with victims. Thank you for supporting our peace process.“ 

Jorge Enrique Vallejo Jaramillo, President of the National Council of the Judiciary