NEW YORK, February 3, 2017— The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) has named Juan E. Méndez as its delegate to the Colombian Selection Committee created by the 2016 peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This committee was created as an independent and impartial mechanism to select the magistrates of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, the Commissioners of the Truth Commission and other key officials, which are necessary for the implementation of the justice agenda contained in the agreement.
Méndez is a globally recognized jurist and human rights expert. He was President of ICTJ from 2004 to 2009 and now serves as its President Emeritus.
Over the years, he has held several prominent roles, including as the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide; the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment; Special Adviser on Prevention to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; and Co-Chair of the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association.
The Colombian government and FARC invited ICTJ, the UN Secretary-General, the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, the President of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Public Universities of Colombia to each appoint a delegate to carry out this important function.
With this appointment, ICTJ reiterates its commitment to contribute to the full implementation of the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparations, and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence contained in the new peace accord in Colombia.
Media Contact
Refik Hodzic, Director of Communications E-mail: rhodzic@ictj.org Phone: +387603575250
PHOTO: Juan E. Méndez, President Emeritus of ICTJ. (Mark Garten/UN)
