Digital Footprints in Transitional Justice: Facebook Engagement by Colombian Organisations

Transitional justice (TJ) processes have been implemented worldwide to address human rights violations and facilitate post-conflict reconciliation. In Colombia, decades of armed conflict involving the government, the FARC, paramilitary groups, and other actors resulted in over 200,000 deaths, massive displacement, and widespread land dispossession. To address these legacies, the 2016 peace agreement established the Integrated System of Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Non-Repetition (SIVJRNR), institutionalizing the Truth Commission, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and the Special Unit for Finding Missing Persons. While these mechanisms aim to promote victim participation and ensure territorial and extraterritorial engagement, challenges persist in reaching affected populations. Digital platforms, particularly social media, offer potential avenues to enhance public participation, disseminate information, and engage citizens in TJ processes. This study examines the posting behavior of Colombian transitional justice organizations on Facebook as a lens to understand how digital communication may support the goals of TJ. By analyzing content, frequency, and engagement patterns, the study sheds light on how these organizations navigate digital spaces to promote transparency, victim inclusion, and societal reconciliation. Findings suggest that digital mediation can complement traditional TJ mechanisms, fostering broader access and interaction with diverse audiences while highlighting the limitations and opportunities inherent in online engagement.