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  4. May 2023
  5. Reparations for Victims: Lessons from Colombia

Reparations for Victims: Lessons from Colombia

  • Arlen Guarin
  • Juliana Londoño-Vélez
  • Christian Posso
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 113, May 2023
(pp. 342-46)
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Abstract

Reparations recognize and address the harm that victims suffered during war, conflict, or authoritarianism, and some experts argue that the compensation can also help victims to rebuild life projects. Using linked administrative microdata, we study the world's largest reparations program, currently being implemented in Colombia. First, we provide descriptive evidence on Colombia's conflict victims. Then, we shed light on how reparations' various aims have shaped the program's design and implementation features and on who has received compensation. Last, we discuss the practical challenges and tensions in balancing the various goals of reparations programs under tight fiscal constraints and limited state capacity.

Citation

Guarin, Arlen, Juliana Londoño-Vélez, and Christian Posso. 2023. "Reparations for Victims: Lessons from Colombia." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 113: 342-46. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20231018

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • D63 Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
  • D74 Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
  • K38 Human Rights Law; Gender Law; Animal Rights Law
  • O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
  • O17 Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements