The Co-creating Everyday Indicators of Justice and Coexistence project allowed us to compare communities’ everyday conceptions of justice, peace and coexistence with the policies and practices of institutions dedicated to peacebuilding and victim reparation in Colombia. Based on this experience, we collaborated with transitional justice institutions such as the Truth Clarification and Coexistence Commission and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, applying the EPI methodology to evaluate and strengthen their work. We believe that bringing peace institutions closer to the everyday perceptions of affected communities and victims helps legitimize and sustain their efforts.

Collaborating with the Truth Clarification and Coexistence Commission

We formed a strategic partnership with the Truth Clarification and Coexistence Commission (CEV) to deepen the Commission’s engagement with the communities we serve. Using everyday indicators of justice and coexistence, we assessed the Commission’s work to promote coexistence and non-repetition, with a focus on the municipality of Dabeiba in Antioquia.

Our research revealed important differences between state-led and community-led justice initiatives in Antioquia. Community-led approaches more comprehensively address the needs and experiences of civilians and ex-combatants, offering a more sustainable path toward coexistence. This project shows that achieving lasting peace in Colombia requires moving beyond broad national policies to localized, everyday practices that directly engage communities affected by decades of conflict. Building peace demands prioritizing grassroots initiatives that repair the social fabric torn by systemic violence, and fulfilling long-standing promises to ensure that these communities feel included and supported in the peace process. Through this and other collaborations, we have demonstrated that state efforts should complement and strengthen community-driven initiatives to foster long-term stability and resilience.

Rebuilding Bonds and Advancing Transitional Justice in Yopal

In Yopal, Icononzo, the implementation of the Jobs, Works and Activities with a Restorative and Reparative Content (TOAR) program established by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has been instrumental in transforming local dynamics and fostering reconciliation. These activities, carried out by former combatants, address concrete community needs and help rebuild social ties.

EPI contributed to this process by conducting participatory analyses and developing everyday indicators that capture local perceptions of justice and coexistence. A notable TOAR project in Yopal was the construction of a paved rural road (placa huella), which significantly improved connectivity between villages. By involving both former combatants and local residents, the project not only enhanced infrastructure but also strengthened social relationships through shared effort and collaboration. Initiatives like this highlight the transformative potential of restorative justice, particularly when they respond directly to the historical demands of rural communities, such as the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity.

Collaborating with the Special Jurisdiction for Peace Collaboration on Restorative Justice and Extrajudicial killings

Everyday Peace Indicators’ partnership with the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) highlights the transformative potential of restorative justice in Colombia. In the Huila subcase of JEP’s Case 03 on extrajudicial killings, EPI’s methodology explored how justice and coexistence are perceived by victims, perpetrators and institutions. This subcase included separate spaces for victims and perpetrators, mixed sessions and public acknowledgments of responsibility.

EPI captured shifts in perceptions, relationships and understandings of justice through semi-structured interviews and systematic documentation, developing everyday indicators to measure changes at personal, collective and institutional levels. This approach provides a deeper understanding beyond traditional retributive justice. While achieving justice in cases involving grave human rights violations remains a complex challenge, our findings reveal that restorative practices play a critical role in fostering trust, promoting healing and reshaping the justice system to be more inclusive and equitable.