The irretroactivity of the criminal law in international criminal law against crimes of lesa humanity, special reference to the case of Colombia

Main Article Content

Henry Torres Vásquez

Abstract

This article analyzes the non-retroactivity of criminal law in international criminal law based on doctrine and international jurisprudence. Study the statute of limitations on crimes against humanity in the international arena and also why this broad evolution of International Criminal Law can not be ignored under arguments based on the independence of transitional justice, which is why they have to be used in this model of justice, without this eventually affecting the peace process in Colombia. Some decisions of international tribunals regarding crimes against humanity are collected and how they could be used in the cases debated in the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.


It concludes that in spite of the great doctrinal differences regarding the advisability of applying the non-retroactivity of the criminal law with respect to crimes against humanity and the apparent violation of the principle of legality, this is one of the great achievements of world society. Which allows to avoid state arbitrariness, by virtue of protecting society from rampant impunity around crimes that occurred during and during the non-international armed conflict in Colombia, the application of the non-retroactivity of the criminal law of crimes against humanity is fundamental.

Article Details

Section

Articulos PI Vol. 31

Author Biography

Henry Torres Vásquez, , , ,

Artículo que pertenece a los avances de la investigación “La responsabilidad del mando en el sistema integral de verdad, justicia, reparación y no repetición en Colombia” dentro del grupo de investigación “Primo Levi” Categoría C de Colciencias, de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia.