Colombia: UN independent experts call for Ecopetrol to provide reparations to victims of armed conflict

UN independent experts welcomed on Wednesday a recent landmark corporate accountability ruling involving the Ecopetrol oil company by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace, calling for reparations for victims.The Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) ruling related to the Macro-Case 08, which recognises the responsibility of several State agents and a director of the State-owned company for their involvement in acts related to serious human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the armed conflict in Barrancabermeja, Colombia’s oil capital.“The JEP’s decision represents a significant step forward for truth, justice and accountability regarding the impacts of corporate activities in conflict-affected contexts,” the experts said. “It also opens an unprecedented opportunity to place victims at the centre of reparation and restoration efforts.”The experts welcomed the cooperation provided by Ecopetrol during the proceedings and encouraged the company to deepen that commitment through ongoing dialogue and concrete actions for reparation and restoration aimed at the affected individuals and communities.Companies must respect human rights“Companies have a re...