Non-Participants and Symbolic Reparation in Colombia

Symbolic reparations—such as apologies, memorials, and commemorations—are intended to acknowledge victims of human rights violations and social exclusion, while also challenging the narratives that justify their dehumanization. A common challenge in transitional justice is the inability to reach all victims, leading to frustration. However, symbolic reparations are still regarded as a valid way to address victims' needs because they are believed to foster psychological identification and symbolic extension between those directly affected by violence and those who were not.

This paper examines the case of Colombia, where efforts to promote peace and reconciliation are carried out through education, media, and the arts by both civil society and official organizations. These efforts aim to transmit narratives that support symbolic reparation. However, a significant portion of the population does not participate in these initiatives.

The paper explores the role of non-participants in transitional justice—specifically, those who do not engage with the discourse of transitional justice in Colombia. It investigates how to study this diverse group and considers their impact on a society that is increasingly viewed as post-transitional. By studying non-participants, the paper seeks to assess the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms, such as symbolic reparations, in transforming public narratives about the past.