Transitional justice doused in restorative promises: new horizons or old quicksand? A critique of the restorative justice hype promoted by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace

Michael Reed Hurtado

doi:10.18543/djhr.3400

Michael Reed Hurtado Georgetown University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3224-8898

Keywords: restorative justice, transitional justice, Colombia, victims, critical studies

Abstract

The promise of restorative justice (RJ) in Colombia’s transitional justice (TJ) mechanisms is often framed as a novel paradigm producing remarkable results. Yet, a significant gap exists between rhetoric and practice. Persons seeking justice for gross violations express concern that RJ primarily benefits perpetrators rather than victims. This paper contrasts the promises promoted by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) with scholarly RJ literature and the experiences of victims’ families. It critiques the JEP’s use of RJ, emphasizing that restorative approaches are neither new to TJ nor intended to be celebrated uncritically. Experts stress humility and restraint in RJ practice, while the JEP actively promotes its model as a global legacy. Drawing on the voices of Colombians whose relatives were executed by the Colombian Army, this paper highlights how RJ practices shape the experiences of those persons seeking justice and underscores the risks of misusing restorative paradigms in pursuing TJ.

Received: 10 March 2025
Accepted: 30 September 2025
Articles in Press: 11 November 2025

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