Reparations for Victims: Lessons from Colombia

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.