The (non-)reconciliatory effect of reparations for victims of political violence: a cross-sectional study of the Colombian transitional context

According to the needs-based reconciliation model, transitional mechanisms can lead to reconciliation when they meet the victims’ need for agency/status. This study evaluated the reconciliatory impact of the transitional policy of reparations for victims of the armed conflict implemented in Colombia. A sample of 135 victims of political violence participated in a transversal study which evaluated the effect of the reparations on the reconciliation sentiment, using the scales of mere coexistence and rebuilding trust. Counter to the intention of the policy, the victims given reparations showed lower levels of reconciliation than those who had not received reparations, regardless of their exposure to violence, understanding of justice and social attitudes. The results suggest that the limitations in the process of implementing the reparations may be thwarting the victims’ need for agency/status and thus hindering the reconciliation process.