Bridging Justice and Technology

In the wake of Colombia's 2016 peace agreement, three transitional justice (TJ) institutions were established to address historical atrocities and prompt reconciliation. Recognising the essential role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in encouraging engagement and public involvement, the Colombian government-appointed TJ institutions employed a range of communication strategies, including the use of social media, podcasts, and radio, to reach a wide range of audiences. While ICT integration is often praised for enhancing engagement, an analysis of the Facebook activity of Colombia's TJ institutions in 2019 reveals a predominance of one-way communication. The TJ institutions primarily deployed the platform to disseminate information about their mandates, rather than fostering interactive or participatory exchanges with users. Other examples, such as the Truth Commission's interactive platform transmedia , demonstrate efforts to involve individuals affected by the conflict. Besides numerous positive aspects of using ICTs for TJ aims, it is important to acknowledge potential challenges that can arise from their use, including the exacerbation of hate speech, disparities in digital access, and privacy considerations. Analysing these dynamics highlights the importance of contextual considerations when implementing ICT strategies in conflict-affected settings. This exercise offers insights into the potential and limitations of ICTs in advancing TJ goals.