Through the Colombian Truth Commission, war victims in exile in Norway and 21 other countries have contributed their stories in the hope that it can move the country forward on the path to peace. The report was launched in Oslo on Friday, October 21.

The report " The Truths of Exils – Colombia outside of Colombia " presents a common narrative about the war, and makes clear recommendations on how to achieve lasting peace in a country marked by conflict for over 50 years. More than 1,800 war victims have given their testimonies, 29 of whom live in Norway. Most have had to flee their homeland due to death threats for their political involvement.

– For the first time in history, a report from a truth commission also includes the voices of people in exile.

Reidun Rydland, project manager at Caritas Norway

Important recommendations

According to figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 500,000 Colombians have fled. However, the Truth Commission's analyses show that the number is likely to be more than one million people, and that there is a need to collate figures from different actors to understand the true extent.

– With its recommendations, the report is an important document to follow, both for the Norwegian authorities, who are guarantors of compliance with the peace agreement. And not least for Gustavo Petro, who was inaugurated as president in August, and his government.

Reidun Rydland, project manager at Caritas Norway

The Truth Commission is a result of the peace agreement signed between the FARC guerrillas and the Colombian state in 2016. The purpose has been to listen to the different voices from the conflict, especially the victims, to create a common narrative about what has happened.

– The work began in 2018 and has resulted in the report launched today and in a digital platform with material from the entire process.

Reidun Rydland, project manager at Caritas Norway