Social solidarity as a dimension of transitional justice: the case of Cartography and Identification of Mass Graves in post-conflict Colombia

The field of transitional justice lacks a comprehensive understanding to the role that social solidarity plays in transitional justice contexts. There is a lack of knowledge of the means through which victims can exercise their social agency to explore mechanisms of reparation beyond truth commissions, tribunals, and trials. This article argues that social solidarity is a crucial dimension and a novel perspective from which to develop transitional justice processes from a victims’ point of view in post-conflict societies. Employing a participative action research method, this article’s importance rests in the idea that Colombian victims’ groups from Eastern Antioquia view social solidarity as a crucial dimension of transitional justice in developing the project ‘Cartography and Identification of Mass Graves’. It establishes that this effort is a powerful novel mechanism to claim justice, reparation, recognition, and guarantees of non-recurrence from an unofficial angle. It demonstrates that comprehending social solidarity as a vital dimension of transitional justice stresses the importance of victims’ social agency to conduct collaborative collective actions in order to support inclusive processes of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) beyond official agendas and narratives

Between Positive Complementarity and Magical Legalism:Colombia and International Criminal Justice

This article offers an overview and analysis of the findings regarding the case of Colombia within the EU cost Action ca18228 (the Action) and the Scoping Survey examining states’ encounters with international criminal justice. It explores Colombia’s nuanced and multifaceted approach to international criminal justice frameworks, focusing on the intersection of transnational crimes and the intricate dynamics of internal armed conflicts. It presents Colombia’s multi-scalar legal approach to attempting to establish a positive complementarity and multilevel rule-of-law system, acknowledging the challenges inherent in integrating international law with diverse levels of governance and local legislation. It highlights how the ongoing implementation of the peace process and transitional justice mechanisms have sparked debates about striking the delicate balance between peace and justice, conducting in some cases expressions of magical legalism. This article’s significance rests in the idea that Colombia’s experience serves as an illustrative case study of the complexities involved in applying a multi-scalar positive complementarity legal approach and multilevel legal framework in the pursuit of justice for both national and international crimes

Exploring the Eco-Peace Nexus with ASMUPROPAZ:between socio-ecological practices and the reintegration process of ex-combatants in the Colombian Amazon

In the aftermath of armed conflicts or war, the reintegration of ex-combatants is a complex social process that involves numerous challenges at various levels, necessitating innovative and comprehensive approaches. These reintegration mechanisms need to go beyond traditional notions of social rehabilitation, encompassing a broader understanding of the multifaceted challenges that individuals and communities face when the conflict ends. Thus, the integration of both social and ecological dimensions in order to create a successful reintegration process becomes crucial for sustainable and holistic post-conflict recovery. In other words, by acknowledging the interconnectedness of social and ecological dimensions in post-conflict reintegration, innovative approaches can be developed to address the root causes of conflict, promote sustainable development, and contribute to lasting peace.In this context, this short paper explores the dynamic and complex relationship between peacebuilding efforts and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned in the pursuit of holistic reintegration of FARC ex-combatants in post-conflict Colombia. The study centres around the women’s grassroots organisation ASMUPROPAZ, situated in the municipality of La Montañita within the Department of Caquetá, a vital part of the Amazon Region of Colombia. ASMUPROPAZ, as a women’s grassroots organisation, emerges as a compelling case study illustrating the interplay between socio-ecological practices, community development, reintegration of ex-combatants and environmental sustainability.After conducting twelve structured interviews with members of this organisation, this paper explores how ASMUPROPAZ catalyses innovative approaches to reincorporation addressing socio-ecological activities, incorporating environmental conservation with community empowerment and economic development. The organisation’s commitment to environmental and gender-inclusive strategies provides an additional layer of complexity and richness to the reintegration process, Climate Change, Sustainability and Socio-ecological Practices 675 addressing the unique needs and contributions of women in post-conflict settings. Also, this paper unpacks the synergies between peacebuilding and environmental sustainability, offering insights into best practices and potential pitfalls. By shedding light on ASMUPROPAZ’s journey, this study contributes to the broader discourse on post-conflict reintegration, emphasising the importance of grassroots initiatives in achieving a harmonious balance between societal healing and environmental protection in conflict-affected regions.Furthermore, in this paper, we present and explore the term Eco-Peace Nexus. It refers to the interconnected relationship between environment protection, community development, quality of life, ex-combatants’ reintegration, and the promotion of peace. The paper’s main contribution rests in the idea that the Eco-Peace Nexus perspective suggests that promoting environmental sustainability can be a means of fostering longterm peace after armed conflicts, and conversely, that peacebuilding efforts should take into account environmental and socio-ecological contexts. For us, this interconnected approach acknowledges that the well-being of communities and ecosystems are intertwined and that addressing environmental concerns can contribute to long-term stability and conflict prevention

Unpacking Environmental Activism in the UK:A Comparative Analysis of the Groups Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil

In response to the increasingly urgent need to address the existential threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation, grassroots movements have emerged as significant agents of change. This research focuses on two prominent groups in the United Kingdom: Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Just Stop Oil (JSO). Through a comparative analysis, this study explores and assesses the role of these groups, examining their objectives, strategies, impacts, andchallenges within the broader context of environmental activism and social movements. The research addresses a combination of qualitative methodologies. First, a comprehensive review of literature, academic research, news articles, and official documents has been conducted to gather background information and insights into the formation and trajectory of XR and JSO. By employing content analysis approaches, this study identified key themes, discourses, and motivations driving these groups’ activism. Thus, it helped to comprehend how XR and JSO mobilise public opinion and engage with policymakers. Second, traditional qualitative methods including participant observations and seventeen semi-structured interviews have been utilised to gain a deeper understanding of the organisational structures, decision-making processes, and strategic planning of XR and JSO.Drawing on social movement theory and collective action frameworks, this research identified the factors contributing to the success or obstacles faced by these groups. It also examined how XR and JSO navigate issues like diversity, inclusivity, and potential tensions arising from different ideological orientations within their movements. Findings for this research suggest that XR and JSO differ in their fundamental approaches. XR focuses on disruptive civil disobedience, organising large-scale protests and acts of non-violent resistance, aimed at gaining public attention and influencing policy. In contrast, JSO predominantly targets the fossil fuel industry, engaging in direct action campaigns including blockades and protests specifically aimed at disrupting oil extraction and transportation. This comparative analysis aims to shed light on the differing impacts and challenges associated with these approaches.By examining the wider societal responses to XR and JSO, this research evaluated whether these groups have effectively shifted the public discourse around climate change and environmental justice. Additionally, this study explored the challenges and potential conflicts that arise when grassroots movements interact with governmental and corporate entities. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this research aims to contribute to the fields of environmental sociology, social movements, and political science, while also offering practical insights for policymakers seeking to engage with these groups and address pressing environmental issues