Caducidad de la acción de reparación directa en delitos de lesa humanidad y violaciones a derechos humanos atribuibles al Estado colombiano

Abstract

This thesis presents a legal, descriptive, and argumentative analysis of the statute of limitations (término de caducidad) governing direct reparation claims (acción de reparación directa) in Colombia. The focus is on cases classified as crimes against humanity and human rights violations attributable to the Colombian state. This context frames a significant jurisprudential conflict stemming from the divergent positions adopted by the high courts and international bodies. Given the existence of multiple normative, conventional, and jurisprudential obligations, a strong ambiguity arises regarding the applicability of the peremptory two years term. While the legislator is categorical in regulating access to justice, it simultaneously establishes exceptions for matters concerning human rights. Accordingly, this compendium explores the prevailing theories surrounding this issue to conclusively propose that the statute of limitations is applicable but is limited by conventional mandates and subject to the specific caveats established by the Council of State and the Constitutional Court for instances os State-perpetrated crimes against humanity and human rights violations