JEP Warns $170M Budget Cut Would Render It Inoperable

Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) warns that a $170 billion peso cut approved in first debate for the 2027 national budget would leave the tribunal "really inoperable," according to President Magistrate Alejandro Ramelli. The reduction targets the transitional justice sector within a $634.9 trillion general budget still pending plenary votes.

Ramelli raised concerns before the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office, citing a 2021 cooperation agreement where Colombia committed to preserve "budgetary sufficiency" for transitional justice institutions. The JEP argues the cut endangers victim rights and legal processes for former FARC combatants.

“The reduction currently leaves the Jurisdiction 'really inoperable.'”

Executive Secretary Danilo Suárez defended the tribunal's spending, stating 99% of travel funds guarantee victim and participant attendance at hearings and judicial team deployment to territories. He said the JEP has saved over $22 billion pesos since 2024 and is willing to contribute to fiscal emergency efforts through restorative labor by participants.

The budget bill must still pass Senate and Chamber plenaries. Critics demand detailed justification of JEP's operational needs, resource allocation, and results achieved during its years of operation.