Shimmering Words MAGAZINE ISSN 2463-0403 USTA TUNJA Fr. Bernardo de Lugo, O.P. de Lugo, Bernardo Fr. TUNJA USTA LANGUAGES INSTITUTE 2017 LOCAL MANAGERS

Fr. JORGE FERDINANDO RODRÍGUEZ RUIZ, O. P. Principal

Fr. JAVIER ANTONIO CASTELLANOS, O.P. FR. BERNARDO DE LUGO, O.P. Vice Provost for Academic Affrairs LANGUAGES INSTITUTE Father JOSÉ ANTONIO BALAGUERA CEPEDA, O.P. Vice Provost Administrative – Financial Affairs Shimmering PRODUCTION TEAM

Words LANGUAGES INSTITUTE DIRECTOR MAGAZINE Professor Victor Felipe Prada Hernández Magazine Editor Professor Gladis Leonor Arias Rodríguez

Coeditor CREDITS Professor Eliana Edith Roberto Flórez Style Corrections Duncan Andrew Higgons

Graphic Designer Santiago Suárez Varela

OJS Manager Jorge Antonio Alvarado Rojas

ISSN: 2463-0403 N°: 7 - 2017 |||||| THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE

resent times require the development of specific skill sets in order to respond to Pthe needs arising from globalization and knowledge acquisition is related to the use new trends; some of the most important skill sets of languages; according to the Oxford Royale are those related to means of communication, Academy, English is spoken in more countries because they have become some of the most than any other language, followed by others such prominent aspects of a modern lifestyle, due to as Arabic, Dutch and French among others. the constant exchange of information. Speaking other languages is a mandatory skill for people to develop, as it is necessary to succeed in So why learn English? communicating with people from many different countries. Keeping in mind that it is used worldwide, there are many reasons for learning this language: it Moreover, psychologists argue that learning gives you opportunities to make contact with two or more languages helps people develop people from different countries and learn about their cognitive process regarding of memory their culture; at work, you can demonstrate a improvement, context perceptivity and decision- great capacity for analysing different topics, making, all aspects that contribute to maximizing especially because English is considered the knowledge acquisition whilst also enabling language of business; a lot of knowledge is

EDITORIAL a person’s development in their own field of available in this language and in education, study. We could have different perspectives and English can afford you a place in some of the needs for learning a foreign language, specially, best universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, depending on the requirement of our work Harvard and MIT among others; it can allow you environment and education system; nowadays, to participate in international events (congresses, conferences) and to have access to areas such as BY literature, science, sports, technology, religion, Gladis Leonor Arias Rodríguez politics and more; All of this demonstrates the USTA Tunja language teacher importance of acquiring this language. CONTENT WORD AMONGCOLOMBIANCOLLEGESTUDENTS ADDRESSING RACISMANDTHEUSEOF“N” ISIS THEPAIN OFTERRORISMTODAY A SOCIALPROBLEM TERRORISM: COLOMBIAN PEACE, DREAMORREALITY 6-14 20 16 15 VS FEEDBACK FEEDFORWARD 30-33 TERRORISM: THE FEAR OF A LATENT THE DILEMMA OF SEX CHANGE AND PENSIONS 45 THREAT IN COLOMBIA THE PEACE PROCESS BETWEEN THE 51 GOVERNMENT AND THE FARC TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN THE PEACE PROCESS BETWEEN THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT AND FARC

34-36

WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY DOPING IN CYCLING? 37

CYBER TERRORISM 40

56-59 ADDRESSING RACISM AND THE USE OF THE “N” WORD AMONG COLOMBIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

BY: ANNA C. PEÑALOZA USTA Tunja English teacher EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL““ WEAPON ONE CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD Pictures retrieved from Google

NELSON MANDELA

Through a ten-hour anti-racism and the program, and 64% feel they can better ABSTRACT discrimination education program, make decisions about the use of the “n” International business and Law students word. From International business students, were able to understand the social and 67% strongly agree that what they learned cultural context of the “n” word. This was will influence their career positively. All done to address derogatory and racial students believe racism exists in Colombia, behaviors in the classroom that included the and they were able to demonstrate their use of the “n” word among college students own language connection to the “n” word. in the Universidad Santo Tomás, Tunja, This word connection diminished racism as Colombia. Students were surveyed after a whole in the classroom.

6 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Additionally, Clark adds, “Children who are treated as if they are uneducable almost invariably become uneducable.”

As an American teaching in Colombia, race is not considered a big issue like in The United States. Colombia is a land of many diversities. It boasts having the second- largest Afro-descendant population in Latin America (Davies, C. B., 2008). Unfortunately, Colombian people of Afro-descent do not have the same educational opportunities as white or mestizo children. “For high school, the situation substantially worsens, as 27% of Afro-Colombians ages 15 and 16 are not enrolled” (A., R. G., Sierra, T. A., Adarve, I. C., 2008). Furthermore, only 2% of Afro- Colombians have received higher education (Escobar, 2016). This is evident when only one out of every fifty students in my classroom is of Afro-descent. This causes detrimental effects for all races as college students are Education of Topeka, Kansas desegregated INTRODUCTION schools in the United States of America forever. Today, almost 54 years later, race is CHILDREN“ WHO ARE In his famous speech, Martin Luther King still an issue in the United States. Additionally, TREATED AS IF THEY Jr. said, “I have a dream that my four little it has detrimental effects on racial children will one day live in a nation where identification, self-worth, and education. ARE UNEDUCABLE they will not be judged by the color of their As Dr. Kenneth Clark concluded from the ALMOST INVARIABLY skin, but by the contents of their character.” Doll test “The majority of these children at BECOME UNEDUCABLE.“ This speech was given in 1963, nine years each age level indicate that the brown doll after the landmark case, Brown vs. Board of rather than the white doll ‘looks bad’” (1918).

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 7 not given the opportunity to interact with as the most controversial word in the English color, gender, abilities, etc. As Harper Lee anyone outside of their background. This language. This means that students are not writes, “Our courts have their faults, as does creates a one-sided opinion when race and using the “n” word to intentionally offend any human constitution, but in this country discrimination is brought up in the classroom. anyone, but they also do not understand our courts are the great levelers, and in our the cultural and historical connotation this courts all men are created equal.” (1960). This paper is written as a response to the particular word carries. use of the “n” word or nigger among a predominantly mestizo and white college A survey was conducted among 36 college community. As a native-born American, this students who received ten hours of anti- word raises a red flag as soon as it leaves racism and tolerance education. These anyone’s mouth. The use of the “n” word students are International business and “ has become mainstream among college Law majors. These majors were significantly THE STATED ARMED students in Tunja, and it is used to take the important because racial sensitivity could GROUPS AS WELL AS

place of “negro” or “morenito” when referring play a big role in their professional careers. THOSE NON-STATED to a person of Afro-descent or dark skin. International business students must be As the word began to be addressed in the culturally aware and sensitive to the use of ARMED GROUPS,“ LIKE classroom, it became evident that students derogatory language in dealing with people THE FARC GUERRILLAS do not understand the cultural and social around the world. Law students must face aspects of this word, which has been denoted discriminatory cases and look beyond skin

8 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 METHODS

Students from International business received ten hours of had the opportunity to participate in a debate and read the trail education in one week on the importance of tolerance and anti- in To Kill a Mockingbird. Below is a list of content and lesson racism. Students from Law also received ten hours of tolerance plans that each group saw during their educational period. and anti-racism education over a span of 4 weeks. Law students

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Plan Purpose Time Students will be able to see how stereotyping The story of the “Freedom Writers” causes racial tension, and how through tolerance 2 hours and journal entries and education barriers are broken. Students will be able to see and discuss the social “The ‘N’ Word” Episode 2 hours and cultural contexts of the “n” word. Students will design a campaign business plan to “Say Yes to Equality” Campaign Plan end discrimination and racism in the United States 6 hours of America and Colombia. LAW Plan Purpose Time Debate: Neal Lester v. Kayne West Students will take sides debating whether the “n” 2 hours v. NAACP v. NFL word should be banned. Students will be able to see and discuss the social “The ‘N’ Word” Episode 2 hours and cultural contexts of the “n” word. Students will get to know each other and understand In your shoes activity how life is like in each other’s shoes in order to learn 1 hour respect and tolerance in the classroom. Reading Chapters 18 – 22 Students will see how race affects the outcome of the case and how courage and justice play an 5 hours To Kill a Mockingbird important role in ending discrimination.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 9 RESULTS

TABLE 1: RESULTS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDENTS ON SURVEY CONDUCTED AFTER THE TEN-HOUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Do you feel rap music influences the use of the “n” word in YES 67% countries where English is a second language? NO 33% Did you know the social and cultural aspects of the “n” word YES 60% before this class? NO 40% Do you feel you are better able to make decisions about the “n” YES 87% word after this class? NO 13% STRONGLY AGREE 67% LAW STUDENTS“ FELT Do you feel that what you learned on racism will positively AGREE 33% influence your career? DISAGREE 0% DIFFERENTLY ABOUT

STRONGLY DISAGREE 0% THE INFLUENCE OF RAP

STRONGLY AGREE 27% MUSIC ON THE USE OF AGREE 73% “ Do you believe racism exists in Colombia? THE “N” WORD. DISAGREE 0% STRONGLY DISAGREE 0%

10 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 As the table above shows, the students surveyed highly believe that rap music has influenced their use of the “n” word in their everyday language. A majority did not know the social or cultural connotations this word carries, though an even higher percentage feels they can make better decisions about using it. Even more importantly is that these college students recognize that racism exists in Colombia, and feel that what they learned will influence their future careers.

TABLE 2: RESULTS FOR LAW STUDENTS ON SURVEY CONDUCTED AFTER THE TEN-HOUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. LAW Law students felt differently about the influence of rap music on the use of the “n” YES 48% Do you feel rap music influences the use of the “n” word in word. Despite this, the majority feel that countries where English is a second language? NO 52% they as well can make better decisions on YES 57% Did you know the social and cultural aspects of the “n” word the use of this word, and that what they before this class? NO 43% learn will positively influence their careers. Do you feel you are better able to make decisions about the YES 72% There is also agreement in that Law “n” word after this class? NO 28% students believe racism exists in Colombia. STRONGLY AGREE 10% Do you feel that what you learned on racism will positively AGREE 60% influence your career? DISAGREE 15% STRONGLY DISAGREE 15% STRONGLY AGREE 18% AGREE 82% Do you believe racism exists in Colombia? DISAGREE 0% 0%

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 11 Do you believe racism exists in Colombia? Do you feel you are better able to make decisions about the use of the "n" word?

20% Strongly 21% Agree Agree YES 80% 79% NO

FIGURE 1: TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS SURVEYED ON “DO YOU FIGURE 3: TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS SURVEYED ON BELIEVE RACISM EXISTS IN COLOMBIA?” “DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE BETTER ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THE USE OF THE “N” WORD?

Do you think rap music influences the use of the "n" word in countries where English is a second DISCUSSION language?

There has been a lot of unsolved debate on whether or not the “n” word should be banned. The NAACP, or National Association 44% for the Advancement of Colored People, held a symbolic funeral to bury the “n” word in 2007. Recently, the NFL, or National Football 56% YES League, banned its players from using the word on the field. There are others who believe we should teach the context of the word, such as NO Dr. Neal A. Lester who teaches the first ever class on the “N” word at Arizona State University. He explains, “That’s what I’m asking people to do—to self-reflect critically on how we all use language and the FIGURE 2: TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS SURVEYED ON “DO YOU extent to which language is a reflection of our innermost thoughts” FEEL RAP MUSIC INFLUENCES THE USE OF THE “N" WORD IN COUNTRIES (“Straight Talk about the N-word”, 2011). WHERE ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE?

12 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Do you feel you are better able to make decisions about the use of the "n" word? Tomas in Tunja teaches many other careers, it CONCLUSION would be useful to teach and survey students from the other majors. Students who are able 21% to participate in anti-racism and discrimination The purpose of this study was to help college This study proved to be very successful as education would benefit in teaching others students do what Neal A. Lester suggests, which it met the objective, which was for students to what they have learned. As William Glasser says, is to be able to critically analyze the context of understand the social and cultural aspect of the “n” “We learn 95% of what we teach.” Furthermore, language and race in the classroom. Through an YES word. This in turn would lead them to make better racism and discrimination should be discussed educational period of ten hours, students were 79% decisions about its use. As an educator, it was more in Colombian classrooms, especially since NO given the tools to better understand the use of important to have students create a connection the majority of students are white or mestizo. the “n” word without immediately prohibiting its to the word without banning it from their These students have not had the opportunity use on the spot. It was important for students to vocabulary. This type of method proved to work to intellectually interact with people from other gain a personal connection with the word since as the use of the “n” word diminished completely races or cultures on a daily basis. There is an they would not experience that otherwise living in the classroom. Additionally, outside of the United States. it is worth noting that many This study shows that after the ten-hour period other racial or discriminatory study students felt more confident in making behaviors witnessed in class decisions concerning racial language. Seeing that were also eliminated. As the 100% of the students surveyed strongly agree or semester progressed, students agree that racism exists in Colombia, these lesson became more tolerant of their plans helped mitigate other racial behaviors seen own differences. in class. Interestingly, International Business For future practices, it would be students felt more strongly that rap music was to worth-while to read the entire blame for influencing their use of the “n” word. book To Kill a Mockingbird, The Law students had a contradictory view point. especially for Law students. It This could be because these Law students are is such an emblematic book much younger than the International business that teaches not only racial group, and they could be following the overall issues, but integrity as a whole. trend in the use of the word due to their age. Since the Universidad Santo

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 13 opportunity to stop racism in language classrooms through the REFERENCES A., R. G., Sierra, T. A., & Adarve, I. C. (2008). Racial discrimination and human rights in Colombia: A report on the situation study of word and race connections. of the rights of Afro-Colombians. Bogotá: Ediciones UNIANDES.

Allowing students to explore and Clark, K. B., & Clark, M. P. (1918). Racial identification and preference in Negro children. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill. make their own associations with Davies, C. B. (2008). Encyclopedia of the African diaspora: Origins, experiences, and culture. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. language could potentially end Escobar, J. I. (2016). Afro-Colombian integration in mestizo cities. City, 20(1), 130-141. doi:10.1080/13604813.2015.10 discrimination in Colombia, as 96053 well as prepare students for their Lee, H. (1982). To kill a mockingbird. New York: Warner Books. professional careers outside of the Straight Talk about the N-Word. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-40-fall-2011/feature/ country. straight-talk-about-n-word

FIGURE 4: "GET VACCINATED AGAINST RACISM", A FIGURE 5: "PANDA’S CHOCOLATE", A PRESENTATION FOR THE PRESENTATION FOR THE "SAY YES TO EQUALITY" CAMPAIGN "SAY YES TO EQUALITY" CAMPAIGN PLAN. INTERNATIONAL PLAN. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDENTS FROM LEFT TO BUSINESS STUDENTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NICOLAS FARFAN, RIGHT: FELIPE MANCIPE, VICTOR TOVAR, NICOLAS MURILLO, ALEJANDRA AVILA, LINA MANRIQUE, KATHERINE RUGE, VALENTINA LOZANO, AND JONATHAN SUAREZ. LORENA MARTINEZ, LAURA MARTIN, DANIELA JAIMES, AND HAROLD GUTIERREZ.

14 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 COLOMBIAN PEACE, DREAM OR REALITY

BY: ALIETH DAMARIS CORTES BUITRAGO ABSTRACT ANGIE LORENA MOJICA CARREÑO LEIDY VANESA RIAÑO TORRES USTA Tunja Law students After more than five decades of internal conflict, resulting in thousands of fatalities, millions of victims and more than five million displaced citizens, the population has grown up without knowing what it is to live in a Pictures retrieved from Google country that is at peace with itself. Expectations are high and the population is hopeful. This country has had more than its fair share of grief, human loss and suffering, and although it has been said that attempts to find an acceptable formula for peace has eluded others before President Santos, one thing is for certain - They all had a desire to find a solution that would bring sustainable peace to the people of Colombia.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 15 THEY ALL HAD A INTRODUCTION COLOMBIAN POPULATION

DESIRE TO FIND A Currently in Colombia there can be no discounting the Currently the Colombian population has a very timely enormous challenges that confront the ‘peace-builders’ and unique opportunity after more than five decades of SOLUTION THAT of today, some old positions, beliefs and postures are conflict and social unrest to commit itself to a decidedly WOULD BRING difficult to retract and be re-directed, but the fact that strategic initiative to continue to move forward more opposing sides are sitting at one table engaging in diligently and with even greater resolve to promote the SUSTAINABLE dialogue - and despite continued episodes of flares of peace process through innovative leadership and radical aggression still on occasion on the ground, the mutual thinking. PEACE TO THE effort of peace has moved forward. PEOPLE OF It is also a key reflection of the principle of transparency This surely demonstrates a commitment on all sides and information that the government should transmit to COLOMBIA. that there is a greater prize at stake for both parties that the population as well as a means to provide economic affects the wellness of all of Colombia and all citizens. opportunity for those who were formally in conflict. These peace-building efforts therefore should not now Furthermore, it is intended to provide a task oriented or ever lose traction and focus or have its support vehicle for the assimilation of former antagonistic parties diminished, because the outcome does not only affect to find mutual ground in which they can see each other Colombia nowadays, but every succeeding generation as mothers, fathers, friends, and citizens of this great of Colombians. county of Colombia, with growing opportunities for

16 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 TO HELP PRESERVE PEACE IN ALL ITS DIMENSIONS REMAINS AN ABIDING CHALLENGE FOR COLOMBIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

the world who find themselves with disagreements so profound that those who live within their borders suffer incredible personal tragedy at the hands of those in conflict.

CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION: A LOOK AT PEACE everyone. It is an opportunity for everybody who wishes VISION FROM to achieve economic well-being for themselves and Building a sustainable peace entails their families. Beside this, it will be an opportunity for COLOMBIAN PROSPECTS building trust and understanding former opposing parties to see the similarities between among different cultures and them rather than their differences1. We need to find In many regions of the world, peace remains fragile and civilizations who often live within opportunities for former opposing parties to learn how tenuous. To help preserve peace in all its dimensions the same or adjacent borders and to interact peacefully together, for the common good remains an abiding challenge for Colombia and the the indigenous peoples who have of themselves, their families and their country. Peace is international community. It is a vision embedded in lived in these conflicts for a long a cultural concept and it can be achieved by those who the hearts of all men and women in all countries of the time. They are affected by ongoing assimilate into the culture of peace which is rewarding world. Thus, it is hoped that all the Colombian citizens situations of acute conflict and post- for all sides. can develop a new and innovative concept of peace, in conflict conditions, which often order to serve as a corner stone for the many nations of have undercurrents of resentment. 1. El Tiempo. (2016)Victimas del conflicto en Colombia.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 17 a meaningful impact on equity and development. Participants will gain new awareness about the role where cities, countries, international agencies and developed partners can play an important role in advancing an equity agenda, sharing knowledge and best practices. They will also discuss how to implement ideas that are both normatively and operationally linked to the notion of equity.

TAX REFORM

Finally we will have to discuss a topic that we believe is foundational for the entire Colombian population and that is the subject of tax reform that goes hand by hand with the final agreement, because we think; that the vast increase in tax rates, The health of peace starts in the minds of men and through new information technologies and scientific especially indirect taxes such as IVA women who should be imbued with hope for the future, advances. was consolidated with the financing especially for succeeding generations rather than of post-conflict. Taking this into clouded and disturbed undercurrents of resentment for THE NEXT STEP account, we believe that the help to the past. It is against this background that nations of which the President of the Republic, the world have been encouraged to commit themselves This is an opportunity for Colombia to build some of the Juan Manuel Santos, alluded to from to two main aspects namely, education for a culture of most committed development together from across the other countries, like the United peace with children in the center, and an organizational world. Hence it will be a platform to create new networks States and the increase of the strategy sustaining a global movement partnerships and partnerships and strengthen existing ones, with minimum wage to 7% will not fully

18 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017

In addition, we thought that the agreement was a way to reference a gender-based approach, with regard to women, creating an inequality in our opinion and therefore we felt it was a good agreement in some aspects. CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion we think that it is essential to educate the civilian population in order to determine if it is prepared, articulate and strong enough to accept the changes (FALS BORDA, 1959) brought about an agreement. This is a situation where we THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY cannot pretend that there is a unilateral FOR COLOMBIA TO BUILD agreement where only the government SOME OF THE MOST sets the rules, when clearly it is bilateral and that is necessary to reach an agreement. COMMITTED DEVELOPMENT The government must understand and be TOGETHER FROM ACROSS prepared to make allowances as it remains THE WORLD. a political conflict that was impossible to resolve militarily. They should also educate people so that they can understand and fund all of the costs entailed in post-conflict. Consequently we mention this because the reform wants to recognize that the end of this particular increase taxes as well as tax pensions, but the worst part is the privatization of SENA (El Pais.com.co, 2016) conflict does not mean that we have motivated by the Tax Reform but President Santos said that it is possible to remove 500 million Colombian achieved peace and therefore we cannot 3 Pesos from the budget of the SENA, which is a public institution in charge of further training programs and confuse peace with the peace agreement . provided for free2. 3. Borda, F. (1959). Como se inicia la reforma 2. El País. (2016) Privatización del Sena. agraria (p.96)

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 19 TERRORISM: A SOCIAL PROBLEM

In this text, I’m going to analyze the causes and the pursuit of benefits are series of acts of and consequences of terrorism, as well violence; they aim to generate terror through as how terrorism has become a social problem the murder and maiming of innocent people. It because it uses violence against individuals or creates a physical and spiritual state that prepares groups of people in order to change the outcome the population for their capture and domination. of a political process. Terrorism has an apparent objective, guided by an BY: GISELLE CAROLINA In the legal field, terrorism includes acts of ideology, they spread fear, but the real purpose is CAMARGO REYES USTA Tunja Law student violence against people, freedom, property, to judge people through the application of active common security, public tranquility, public and tortuous methodology. Vazquez (2002)

Pictures retrieved from powers and constitutional order against public says: “In recent decades society has been the Google administration. Terrorism against human rights victim of one of the worst scourges: Terrorism, an

20 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 TERRORISM AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE PURSUIT OF BENEFITS ARE SERIES OF ACTS OF VIOLENCE; THEY AIM TO GENERATE TERROR THROUGH THE MURDER AND MAIMING OF INNOCENT PEOPLE.

expressive act of violence that has appeared throughout history (conquests, war) with its most varied forms of expression and cruelty. Terrorism is constituted, both internally and globally, in an open way to any act of violence, degrading and intimidating, and applied without reservation or any moral concern. It is not, therefore, an isolated, recent or disorganized practice.” (Pag. 55.)

Sayuyed al-Tantawi (2001) says: “Attacking innocent people is not brave, it’s stupid and shall be punished on the final Day of Judgment. It is not courageous to attack innocent children, women and civilians. It is courageous to protect freedom; He is courageous give oneself, and it is not attack.” (Pag. 55.)

TYPES AND CAUSES OF TERRORISM

There are different types of terrorism such as: Cyber terrorism:

Nowadays the advance of technology has increased terrorism

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 21 through technological elements, such as internet, Nationalist: cell phones (messages, chat, calls) and media (TV, It usually has political purposes and is exercised radio); it has the specific objective of generating by a group of people whose objective, according fear in a group of people like government, to their point of view, is to defend the nation. leadership, etc. In fact, terrorists are looking for In most cases, they seek to take control of the some kind of benefit. country or a given region and they seek to State: eradicate or change the political system, or the constitution of an independent country. It usually The main purpose is to maintain control of the uses methods such as threats, kidnappings and population of a state, through different methods extortions. of repression and intimidation. It’s objective is the total obedience of the population, by establishing International cause: strict norms, laws, and prohibitions that will be A country or organization of a state usually regulated and controlled with extreme rigidity exercises its power in another country; this act is and it regulates the behavior of society in many very violent, in which most of the time innocent ways. Thus, all those who are considered to people are killed. On September 11, 2001 as the be against rules are punished, they suffer acts “ product of a terrorist attack, the Twin Towers of violence and are generally persecuted with were destroyed by Osama Bin Laden, a jihadist ATTACKING kidnapping or death not uncommon. An example terrorist of Middle Eastern origin. Nowadays, INNOCENT PEOPLE of state terrorism is the holocaust in Germany. these kinds of attacks are happening with IS NOT BRAVE, IT’S increasing frequency, especially in the USA and STUPID AND SHALL Europe.

BE PUNISHED ON

THE FINAL DAY OF JUDGMENT.“

22 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 TERRORISM IN COLOMBIA

According to Camacho (2005) “In Colombia, terrorism is enshrined in articles of the Criminal Codification, the article 144 of the penal code, refers to the act of terrorism; it is part of the criminal types and receive the name of crimes against persons and goods, against the international humanitarian law, in future (DIH) and, along with other 29 criminal types of sanction” (Pag. 40.)

There are serious breaches, in the international law of armed conflict in Colombia, where human actions are condemned by the (DIH) and also typified in the penal code.

The constitutional mandate of Article 343 says: “Terrorismo. El que provoque o mantenga en estado de zozobra o terror a la población o a un sector de ella, mediante actos que pongan en peligro la vida, la integridad física o la libertad de las personas o las edificaciones

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 23 o medios de comunicación, transporte, THE HOLOCAUST - NAZI GERMANY procesamiento o conducción de fluidos o fuerzas motrices, valiéndose de medios capaces de causar I think that this terrorism was one of the just because they were from a different race. estragos, incurrirá en prisión de diez (10) a quince greatest of all time, and the holocaust is Members of the Jewish community represented (15) años y multa de mil (1.000) a diez mil (10.000) perhaps the most significant act of terrorism the main victims with six million of them being salarios mínimos legales mensuales vigentes, in modern Jewish history. The holocaust was killed. the systematic persecution and annihilation of sin perjuicio de la pena que le corresponda por People with physical and mental disabilities European Jews by the state in Nazi Germany los demás delitos que se ocasionen con esta were also targets of destruction and killing and its collaborators, and took place between conducta.” because they belonged to a particular race, 1933 and 1945. ethnicity or nationality. As many millions of The jurisprudence of the constitutional court has In World War II, the Germans destroyed many people, including homosexuals, Jehovah’s been emphatic in pointing out that respect for lives and caused enormous damage to people, witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war and political humanitarian law is immediate, permanent and prevails in the internal order.

24 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 IN WORLD WAR II, THE GERMANS DESTROYED MANY LIVES AND CAUSED ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO PEOPLE, JUST BECAUSE THEY WERE FROM A DIFFERENT RACE.

the German authorities also forced the Jewish population to move to the ghettos, areas of the cities where they lived in misery under the supervision of the Germans.

CONCLUSIONS dissidents, were also victims of the oppression German and Austrian Jews. They deported about Terrorism affects society as it violates human and death by the Nazi tyranny. 30.000 Jewish men to Dachau and others were rights, the Nazi holocaust destroyed much of the taken to concentration camps. The Nazi party came to power in Germany in Jewish population and left a mark on history, we 1933. The Nazis believed that the Germans were Germany invaded Poland in September 1939 must try to ensure that this never happens again, members of a “higher” race that were facing and thus began World War II. After a few weeks, and that the differences between us for reasons extinction due to their struggle for survival the Polish army was defeated. Great Britain and of race, sex or religion do not destroy people. We against “lower” races. They considered that the France declared war on Germany in support of must base ourselves on equality and build peace. Jews in particular, were a biological threat to the Poland. Under a secret pact with Germany, Soviet The problem is people want to receive benefits, “German race”. forces occupied eastern Poland, in 1939, but they especially, economic profit. remained neutral in the war until 1941. Meanwhile, Adolf Hitler mobilized to extend With regards to the holocaust Nazi, we can see German power over Central Europe, annexing The Germans killed or displaced hundreds of that racism, discrimination and superiority, can Austria and destroying Czechoslovakia between thousands of poles with the intention of creating damage a country, causing death and destruction 1938 and 1939. After the violence of Kristallnacht, new living spaces for the ‘superior’ race. German everywhere. I think that it is important that the Nazis instituted the first systematic arrest of families settled in vacant properties, whilst countries stop fighting and create peace and life.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 25 REFERENCES

Vázquez J. (2002) Teacher of the ESFAS. Information bulletin. Retrieved from: https://dialnet. unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/4581821.pdf

Harris, J. (1983) the new terrorism. Politics of violence. Nueva York.

Arango C. (2005). Terrorism and insurance of terrorism. Considerations of legal, economic and social character. Retrieved from: http://www.javeriana.edu.co/biblos/tesis/derecho/dere7/ DEFINITIVA/TESIS%2024.pdf

Criminal code of Colombia (2000). Law 599 of July 24. Retrieved from: http://www. alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/normas/Norma1.jsp?i=6388

The History of Holocaust I. Retrieved from: https://www.morashasyllabus.com/Spanish/class/ La%20Historia%20del%20Holocausto%20I.pdf

WE MUST TRY TO ENSURE THAT THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN, AND THAT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US FOR REASONS OF RACE, SEX OR RELIGION DO NOT DESTROY PEOPLE.

26 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 BY ELIZABETH DANIELA FORERO BORDA USTA Tunja Law student

Pictures retrieved from Google

THE PAIN OF TERRORISM TODAY The definition of terrorism varies according The Islamic State of Iraq or Islamic State of Iraq to the legislation of each country; in recent years, and Syria -ISIS- which terrorizes Iraq. It was illegal activities of terrorism have increased to formerly a part of Al Qaeda, another global group a global level and whilst violence exists in each and Boko Haram, from Nigeria, that has operated country, there are also groups with greater global since 1980. strength who don’t just function with a local scope thanks to the effect of their terrorist acts. ISIS, the army of terror as some doctrinators call them, has committed crimes against humanity, Some of the most recognized terrorist groups they have killed innocent people in a cruel and worldwide are: bloodthirsty manner. The group was formed in

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 27 acts are carried out by Islamic state, with ISIS expanding quickly with their strategy, because they search out young people to brainwash with their religious beliefs and way of life.

Barrett said (2014) “The self-styled Islamic State is an accident of history, emerging from multiple social, political and economic tensions in the Middle East and beyond. It has challenged the territorial divisions imposed on the region following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire by carving out for itself a large area of territory. But ultimately, its impact will flow as much from its challenge to established concepts of government, national sovereignty, and national identity.” (p.4)

May 2003 and they began to record beheadings their enemies described in Islamic apocalyptic in order to offend their enemies. It is of Sunni prophecies.” origin, whereas the people who started attacking first went to the Shiites. Islamic State in Iraq was This terrorist group achieved their financing with able to achieve power due to the civil war in the trafficking of crude oil. In 2015, one of the Syria. main terrorist attacks was carried out by Islamic State in France, with the attack lasting for 2 days The BBC (2015) announced: “IS seeks to eradicate and resulting in 19 deaths. obstacles to restoring God's rule on Earth and to defend the Muslim community, or umma, against Many people died because of their beliefs and infidels and apostates. The group has welcomed according to those beliefs they have entered the prospect of direct confrontation with the heaven by dying as martyrs, carrying out murders US-led coalition, viewing it as a harbinger of an and immolations, and conducting trafficking end-of-times showdown between Muslims and and prostitution. These and many other horrific

28 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Today, there is a war between the West and much A clear example of the continuous and unnecessary of the Islamic world. War is irrational and real war created by Isis was the bomb attack at an “ political war is the reflection of blood spilled by Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. It was a the people, whilst the media is transformed into a terrible situation that captivated the world with "OUR RESPONSE TO THIS propaganda machine during wartime, and they do Ariana Grande writing on her twitter (2017) "Our VIOLENCE MUST BE TO COME not report reality, they simply control the public response to this violence must be to come closer CLOSER TOGETHER, TO HELP opinion in order to favor their own interests. ISIS together, to help each other, to love more, to sing is a terrorist organization whose main interest is louder and to live more kindly and generously EACH OTHER, TO LOVE MORE, TO spreading its religion and way of life around the than we did before," SING LOUDER AND TO LIVE MORE world; they do not care about the damage they

KINDLY AND GENEROUSLY THAN can cause to innocent people. The Islamic state is a very structured

WE DID BEFORE," organization, day by day in the western world we “ It is sad to see how the blood of the innocent ignore the situation in the East, and the constant is watered without foundation, human beings wars that lash the world. This organization must understand that our rationality when faced has reached the point of touching the doors of with difficulties and problems is the best way to countries like France, the United States, and progress and develop better conditions for the the United Kingdom among others, causing us whole of humanity in sadness and disappointment when we see that this globalized world. the world around us is cruel and bloody.

The war continues to mark the rhythm of the REFERENCES daily life of many, with some people strugging Barrett R. (2014). The Islamic State. Retrieved to survive day by day, form: http://soufangroup.com/wp- not knowing if each content/uploads/2014/10/TSG-The-Islamic- day could be their State-Nov14.pdf last. This situation has taken away value from BBC, What is “Islam State”?, Retrieved from human life, and only http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle- because of religious ||east-29052144 on the 2nd of December, 2015. misinterpretations.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 29 FEEDFORWARD VS BY M.AFEEDBACK ADRIANA MARITZA RIVERA BARRETO USTA Tunja Languages Institute teacher and Pictures retrieved from researcher Google

Feedback can be defined as a process that helps learners to maximize their potential at different stages of education or training. Its effectiveness depends on all the protagonists who are actively involved in the process. In general, it can be conceptualized as information provided by an agent, such as a teacher, peer, book, parent, or yourself, with experience regarding aspects related to performance or understanding of a person. So, every agent can provide either corrective,

30 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 “ “SOME CONSIDER IT A RESPONSE TO FEEDBACK, WHILE OTHERS THINK IT CONSISTS OF SUGGESTIONS WHICH ARE GIVEN TO A PERSON IN ORDER TO HELP THEM

BEFORE LEARNING OR

STARTING A TASK.” “

alternative or clarifying information and a learner can should use feedforward more than feedback, because look up the answer to evaluate the correctness of a this process allows them to solve tasks in the correct response. In this way, feedback is a consequence of way and besides this, it also prevents them from making performance. mistakes.

According to Dulama and Ilovan (2016) in their article titledHow powerful is feedforward in university education? ADVANTAGES AND A case study in Romanian Geography Education on DISADVANTAGES increasing learning Efficiency, feed forward can have different meanings; they state that “some consider it In relation to feedback, it can be said that it is always a response to feedback, while others think it consists there and is produced in all environments. Therefore, of suggestions which are given to a person in order to it is around us all the time. Feedback can motivate help them before learning or starting a task.” This study students and teachers to perform better, given that determined that in order to increase students’ learning those who intervene in the process want to feel valued efficiency and the quality of their results, professors and appreciated, being asked to provide feedback that

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 31 can help to improve their learning process and make decisions. It is important to note that feedback can improve performance despite being considered criticism. In fact, when it is viewed as negative criticism, it is actually constructive and can help formulate better decisions to improve and increase learning and teaching performance.

In the same way, feedback is a tool for continuous learning, and so it is necessary to invest time in asking and learning how teachers and students experience working within a scholarly institution. When there is continued feedback, the institution remains aligned to goals, creates strategies, developments new methods of interaction between learners and teachers and improves relationships, among are not interested in feedback comments and are only other things. Hence continuous learning is the key to concerned with the mark. improving knowledge. Feedforward is a type of Its disadvantages are preventative measure,

related to disappointment “ a preparatory control

HENCE CONTINUOUS LEARNING IS THE and frustration in relation providing future-oriented to the conduct of the KEY TO IMPROVING“ KNOWLEDGE. options or solutions. It feedback process. Some provides clear indications students consider that of how to solve a problem feedback on assessment without offering positive or is unhelpful, unclear and even demoralizing and report negative criticism. Feedforward is a behavior or focus that there is not enough guidance as to how to use on precise actions rather than on general principles and feedback to improve subsequent performance. At the it helps to resolve conflicts by positioning relationships same time, teachers express frustration that students in a positive and supportive dimension.

32 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 In the classroom, the feedback process is “ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL evidenced when the teacher asks for peer PROBLEMS WITH ALL TYPES OF All of the above implies that both reviewing and self-assessment of a piece of FEEDBACK IS THAT IT FOCUSES ON feedback and feedforward are important work. After getting different feedback, students THE PAST OR WHAT HAS ALREADY processes for learning since they develop criteria hand their work in, attaching to it a self- HAPPENED. AS SUCH, FEEDBACK in the students, which are related to assessment assessment, along with a brief statement as to CAN BE LIMITED AND STATIC. GOOD and the requirements of the task. These criteria what feedback they accepted. With respect to FEEDFORWARD SHOULD OPEN UP TO are vital for the proper functioning of skills, which the feedforward process in the classroom, it is STUDENTS THE INFINITE VARIETY OF open a communication portal between teachers, useful to suggest to students, in accordance to OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAN HAPPEN IN students and parents. Elevato (2013): THE FUTURE OF THEIR LEARNING”. REFERENCES

Dulama, M. & Ilovan, O. (2016). How Powerful Is Feedforward in University Education? A Case Study in Romanian Geography Education on Increasing Learning Efficiency. Retrieved form https://eric.d.gov/?id=EJ1115138

Elevato, S. (2013). Feedback & Feedforward Strategies. Retrieved form http://scsccurriculum.weebly.com/ uploads/1/4/9/5/14954694/ feedbackfeedforward_handbook.pdf

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 33 THE DILEMMA OF SEX CHANGE AND PENSIONS IN COLOMBIA

BY: JUAN SEBASTIÁN CELY MARTÍNEZ IVONNE XIMENA GUTIÉRREZ DURÁN There are many legal vacuums in Colombia that could bring legal problems USTA Tunja Law student with serious consequences for the people who belong to our society. In the Colombian constitution it is possible to see one of those legal voids by going through articles 13, Pictures retrieved from 14 and 16 of Decree 1227, 2015 in contrast to the requirements established by Law Google 1001993, because these articles expose the free development of legal personality and equality and allow for a change of sex to be carried out in the civil registry by public deed, whilst the requirements of Law 100 related to receiving your pension infringes the right to equality, considering that the legislator did not establish a limit to Decree 1227 of 2015 and it gave benefits to the people who file for a change of sex.

34 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 According to Article 33 of Law 100, 1993, which through the Legal Office released its understanding of the was modified by article 9 of Law 797, 2003 in matter, stating that under the stipulations of Decree 1227, order to access a pension in the Media Premium 2015, the right to receive pension would not be applied Regime including provision of services defined, along with a sex change. The Superintendent declared that that governs Social security, affiliates must the right to change sex does not confer the same rights to meet the following requirements: women must pension recognition. Taking into account that the purpose of be 55 years old and men must be 60 years old; the Decree in question was related to free development of however, on 1st January 2014, the retirement personality, right to identity, sexual freedom and gender and age changed, increasing to 57 for women and not to change nor grant rights regarding their gender. 62 for men, with a contribution of a minimum The fact is that, the decree does not refer to these type of number of weeks, such as: 1.200 weeks from cases textually, it simply specifies the components and 2011, 1.225 from 2012, 1.250 from 2013, requirements for a sex change. Nevertheless, other points of 1.275 from 2014 y 1.300 from 2015. view indicate that the decision not to award the pension, or According to these requirements established other rights, to a person who claims it, with their new legal by Law, the legal vacuum means that after status, would go against what it is already stipulated by law. changing sex, according to Decree 1227, the On the other hand, according to the Colombian Pensions requirement age established by Law 100 is Administration (Colpensiones) although the first case has not affected because it is differentiated by gender, existed yet, there is the possibility of any man, who decides with women being able to retire at 57 and men to change his genre on his identity card, asking to retire at at 62. This allows a male to assume the rights of a female and thus, changing sex could be used in order to receive the benefit of receiving a pension 5 years earlier, due to their new classification. THERE ARE“ MANY LEGAL VACUUMS IN COLOMBIA In the case of a female who changes sex to male, they could take advantage of a more THAT COULD BRING efficient and agile process, as men have a lower LEGAL PROBLEMS life expectancy than women and thus the WITH SERIOUS efficiency and effectiveness of the process is CONSEQUENCES FOR important and so, in this situation, the right to THE PEOPLE WHO receive a pension can be granted more quickly.

BELONG TO OUR Bearing in mind the previous facts, the SOCIETY.“ Superintendent of Notaries and Registry,

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 35 57, just like any other woman, and not at 62 as Finally, it is important to say that our legislators established by law for their original gender. Also, should pay more attention to this serious the administration says that there have frequently problem that has arisen by rights granted. They been cases in which people have enquired about must study and establish a law that covers the the possibility, and there are fears that they could specific situation in order to avoid the problems abuse the norm. Colpensiones mentions that the mentioned previously. They must start by taking pension would be recognized as valid for any man into account the good faith of the people who the Colombian people, because if this situation who is 57 years old, has a quoted 1,300 weeks make changes in their civil registry. continues, there could be an embezzlement of the and has legally changed sex. We think our legislators should introduce an system, writ large, which would cause financial Additionally, Colpensiones clarifies that, cases equal age for men and women in order to avoid problems for the entities in charge of providing like this have not been documented, but the future problems and to guarantee the rights of pensions. pension will be granted to the people who prove their gender change with the correct, legally issued documents, which suggests that this lack of congruence by the two institutions may violate the rights of people who change their sex, as well as those of the community in general, in order to benefit a select group of people. “ THE SUPERINTENDENT DECLARED THAT THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SEX DOES NOT

CONFER THE SAME

RIGHTS TO PENSION RECOGNITION.“

36 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Who might be affected by doping in cycling?

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular sport across the world, and particularly in Colombia: presently, this country hosts some of the most demanding cycling competitions BY XIOMARA VANESSA DEL PILAR ARIAS GAMBOA EILEEN LILLEY MEDINA JAIMES in Latin America, with recognized sportspersons like Nairo Quintana, Winner Anacona, and USTA Tunja Law student Rigoberto Uran, among others. These athletes have participated in important competitions around the world such as the “Tour de France”, “La Vuelta a España” and Giro Ditalia; they have Pictures retrieved from Google placed Colombia on the map by becoming important references in the sport. At present, this country is the second in the UCI World Tour ranking.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 37 Nevertheless, not all is good within the sport; In this article, we want to emphasize the nowadays, every sport in the world seems to be responsibility of the international and national overshadowed by “doping”, a topic we are going organizations such as, (their acronyms and names to discuss in this paper. in Spanish): “TAS (Sports arbitration court), AMA (World anti-doping agency), UCI (International Firstly, we need to address the concept of cycling union), FCC (Colombian Cycling “doping”, which is very common in current Federation) and COLDEPORTES (Administrative society, given that it is directly connected to the Department of Sports, Recreation, Physical permanent human desire to overcome natural Activity and Enjoyable Leisure Activities); These physical limitations through the use of substances organization, in conjunction with each other, or alternative formulas, achieving artificially that should grant integral reparation (patrimonial, which would not otherwise be attainable. To psychological and moral) to the athletes who dope, is to administer or take drugs or stimulants take part in any given competition and who for to artificially enhance physical performance. any reason may lose against an athlete under the effects of doping, thereby stealing from them the chance of winning or getting a better ranking and so harming them in some way by damaging them financially or in terms of their fame, recognition or even damaging them psychologically, as a disappointment can potentially lead him or her to a decline in performance.

38 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 The well-known American cyclist Lance BUT, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE Armstrong is a case in point, who after suffering from severe cancer, doubted his own abilities and ATHLETES WHO WERE AFFECTED so started to use illegal substances to triumph BY THE ACTIONS OF THIS MAN? and attain the admiration of his fans. Thanks to this episode, all the libraries in California which In this case, the responsibility rests with reparation (moral and material) of the victims had volumes of the book “Lance Armstrong - the organizations previously mentioned, for these unfair acts. These events have been images of a champion” changed their opinion who are responsible for carrying out tests prior consigned to the past to be forgotten, meaning when he accepted that he had won the last seven to the competitions and check that everything that all the cyclists’ effort, time, have been wasted tours under the effect of doping, immediately is in order. In this case, these organizations must and the desire of being the greatest athletes transferring those volumes to science-fiction, indemnify the athletes for the trophies lost, for within their sport frustrated, yet nobody nor any because the image of the champion was just a lie: the mental and physical damage they may have organization has done anything about it to date It was not the story of a famous athlete, it was the suffered, as well as issue an apology for the or, worse still, might do anything about it in the story of a dishonest man. The UCI took away his presence of athletes under the effects of doping. future either. seven gold medals and he was unable to take part To conclude, these events highlight the poor in any competition again. standards currently applied to the integral

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 39 CYBER TERRORISM

BY: HERNÁN FELIPE TORRES FORERO Pictures retrieved from USTA Tunja Law Faculty student Google

Cyber terrorism is a new form of terrorism main challenges of the 21 century. Tamar (2017) that is becoming more widespread around manifests that the next generation of terrorists the world in recent times and is continually will grow up in a digital world, the tools at their growing. Principally, it is capable of attacking disposal allowing them to infiltrate computer all kinds of computers, electronic structures systems and networks from the comfort of their and technological devices on the market; thus, home; additionally, most of the cyber terrorists through the web, hackers can deactivate the like to interfere with the networks just for fun. electronic networks of a particular company or even of a particular state. A computer pirate or a cyber-terrorist is not that person who has fun controlling the automatic doors of The main purpose of cyber terrorism is not to the garages of their neighbors or interfering with the telephone companies to steal long distance calls. attack a sector of the economy, but to cause A cyber-terrorist goes one-step further with the idea of generating greater impact with their actions. confusion and panic to a specific population, For example, you can remotely access a cereal processing plant to change the iron level and make because they seek to take advantage of the thousands of children in a region sick. (Jaramillo, 1998, p.12) fact that today almost everyone in the world is connected online. The emergence and development of technology in the last decades has generated a social phenomenon with a high impact, especially within the young population known as "gadget people". It has produced The main difficulty of fighting against cyber a particular environment, which stems from interconnection to information among young people; it terrorism, is that the criminal can be located is very difficult to escape from the cyber-criminals or hackers around the world, since every day they next-door or on the other side of the world. It look for new mechanisms to generate fear in the population and extort them with the possibility of not takes a long time for the authorities to detect being able to manage their own information; individuals or terrorist groups are therefore conceiving the the origin of the attack, and in most of cases it is internet as a means to satisfy their illicit interests. not even possible; in fact, this crime is one of the

40 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 The advantages that a cyber-attack has compared alert system; nevertheless, it was very difficult to to traditional terrorism weapons is that it does control. The virus limited the users access to their not represent a physical danger for people, information; the cyber criminals captured the since having a computer and an interconnection company’s files and in many cases blackmailed network is good enough to cause damage the companies for their recuperation. worldwide. This type of practice started in the late 80's when hackers began to appear, not This ransom is usually paid in a digital currency, seeking profit but adventure, fleeing boredom often bit coin, making it difficult to track the to taste the forbidden fruit and conquer the payment and identify the cyber-criminals. The challenge of penetrating complex computer procedure is the following: the people receive systems, outwitting security measures. an email with an attachment; it opens suddenly and immediately infects photos, videos or office On May 2017, the KienyKe news (2017) reported files; the malicious program activates and takes that there was a serious cyber-attack called Wanna advantage of a hole in the Windows security Cry virus, in which more than 200,000 computers system to capture information. in 150 countries were affected. This attack was successful and blocked a lot of computers from The virus acts silently, and if it does not detect state entities and private companies around the interesting information to hijack, it passes along world, by using malicious software. Consequently, to another computer in the company network, governments, hospitals and large companies who until it reaches its goal. It also infects USB were struggling against this virus created a new removable memories and hard drives.

CYBER TERRORISM IS A NEW FORM OF TERRORISM THAT IS BECOMING MORE WIDESPREAD AROUND THE WORLD IN RECENT TIMES AND IS CONTINUALLY GROWING.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 41 There is a latent threat in the world, with terrorism, since the countries with advanced many companies around the world focused technology are the most vulnerable, with on offering advanced security systems; viruses possibly becoming the most powerful curiously these companies are frequently weapons worldwide. led by ex-hackers or cyber pirates, who In my opinion, the most important issue is have ended up working as advisors to the to control the dangers of cyber terrorism companies they invaded illegally, which is a because day by day, new forms appear to paradox but is often the case nevertheless. hack different systems all over the world; The computer security around the world is a So, while companies are creating a firewall, great problem for companies and also citizens. the hackers are thinking up a different devise Nowadays, international entities are talking or mechanism to get past the system; in about a possible cyber war; the United States fact, getting into the most complicated and of America, for one, is taking measures against protected systems is considered a challenge this problem. As examples of the spiraling by many hackers, who like to demonstrate problem, Siegel (2017) in the New York that there are no technological limits for Times states: “United States Attorney John A. them. Horn, the federal prosecutor in Atlanta, said On the other hand, system engineers have to in a statement that his office was working work very hard in order to innovate with new with the F.B.I. to investigate the cyberattack” technologies that protect the information of (p. 1). Likewise, Carrie & Solon (2017), The enterprises and people effectively. They have Guardian reported: “Security researchers to advance in new methods that facilitate with Kaspersky Lab have recorded more than the exchange of information in a safe way. 45,000 attacks in 99 countries, including the Modern times require new methods that UK, Russia, Ukraine, India, China, Italy, and help to protect confidential documents Egypt. In Spain, major companies, including and highly secret information, especially in telecommunications firm Telefónica, were countries like the United States, France, the infected” (p. 1). The American government, United Kingdom, Japan and those who are along with other countries, know they have involved in the peace and security of the rest to take extreme precautions to stop cyber of the world.

42 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 THE CYBER CRIMINALS Taking into account the great danger that survive an attack and protect themselves from CAPTURED THE COMPANY’S hackers can cause to governments, enterprises technology. FILES AND IN MANY and civilians, different entities are working hard in regulating laws against cyber-attacks, This situation leads us to conclude that we should CASES BLACKMAILED THE which nowadays are typified as crimes and not only strengthen our computer systems, but therefore are subject to specific punishments also learn how to protect ourselves from cyber COMPANIES FOR THEIR pertaining to this field. Coats (2017) states: “We terrorism, which is a crime of the current times RECUPERATION. assess that as foreign countries seek to balance but also one that is here to stay for the future of security, economic growth, and interoperability humanity. It not only includes information attacks objectives, many will implement new laws and but, in some cases, also involves economic technical changes to monitor and control access damage or personal threats. For this reason, the to information within and across their borders” judicial systems of all countries have to work as (p. 3). Again, all people and entities have to work a team in order to create laws that really protect together in order to fight against this crime, there people and entities, the law always needing to be is no other option, people must learn how to above the crime, able to protect its citizens.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 43 BIBLIOGRAPHY Siegel, T. (2017). Prosecutors open criminal investigation into equifax breach. The New York Times. Abridged from: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/business/equifax-breach- federal- investigation.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FComputer%20Security%20(C ybersecurity)&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion

Carrie, J. & Solon, O. (2017). Massive ransomware cyber-attack hits nearly 100 countries around the world. The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/ may/12/global-cyber-attack-ransomware

Coasts, D. (20147). Statement for the Record. World Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Retrieved from: https://www. intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/os-coats-051117.pdf

Jaramillo, A. (1998). Ciberterrorismo, amenaza real. Periódico el Tiempo. Bogotá. Retrieved from: http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-801553

Tamar, S. (2017). Cyber-Terrorism. The Israel Democracy Institute. Retrieved from: https:// en.idi.org.il/articles/17488

KienyKe News (2017). ‘Wanna cry’: el virus informático que ataca en todo el mundo. Retrieved from: https://www.kienyke.com/noticias/wanna-cry-el-virus-informatico-que-ataca- en-

44 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Approaching terrorism can be difficult because of its ever-changing characteristics; they depend on many factors that influence TERRORISM: society such as context, people’s conditions, the country, governments, laws, economic situation and religion, among others.

As law students, from an objective and critical The fear of a view point we are going to analyze the fear and latent threat it represents for citizens. Terrorism could be understood as a concept by which we can refer to the use of threats and violence by latent threat a person or a group of people who are against some sectors of society; they frequently seek BY NATALIA LIZETH CUERVO CALLEJAS & ANGEE KATHERINE ARIAS OCHOA to force authorities to respond to private USTA Tunja Law student interests; they are usually small groups who defend religious beliefs or political trends. As Pictures retrieved from such, Ganor (2002) states “Terrorism could be Google defined as the deliberate use of or the threat to use violence against civilians in order to attain

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 45 political, ideological and religious aims” after them, the feeling of distrust of the inhabitants is (p. 288). Additionally, this definition deals pronounced; their fear grows even more as the hours with the purpose and the means to achieve go by waiting for another attack, generating panic in goals, for example guerrillas use their own their minds, annoyance and constant insecurity. Each methods to pressure governments, such time that a terrorist attack occurs, people usually ask as the recruitment of people, kidnapping themselves things like: who is able to do it? What or extortions while terrorist groups usually reasons can a person have to carry out an attempt attack population with bombs or hijacking against innocent people? Is society becoming crazier means of transportation to get their with the passing of the time; these are questions requests. that aren’t usually solved unequivocally, due to the multiplicity of factors that influence each terrorist Many cultures regard terrorism as a attack. phenomenon that has affected people from ancient times, hence, it is certainly Many different reasons inspire terrorists; the U.S as old as humanity itself, human beings Army, Field Manual (1996 - 2000) proposes three destroying and massacring each other main categories: rational, psychological, and cultural: since a long time ago, under the premise of having the power. Therefore, the issues or claims already referenced have led to the Rational:A terrorist thinks about his goals and options. From this perspective he does a cost- use of violence and threats in the pursuit of benefit analysis; he tries to recognize if there are less expensive and more effective waysto individual and collective goals, leaving aside achieve his goals, he assesses risk and his own abilities to act in a certain way. The rational the consequences of those practices and analysis of the terrorist is similar to a military commander or an entrepreneur who considers aggressive behaviours that greatly affect a available lines of conduct in achieving their goals. country or a nation. Psychological: The psychological motivation of a terrorist to exercise his or her behaviour On the other hand, terrorist attacks generate proceeds from his personal disagreement with their own life and circumstances. The terrorist a great psychological impact in citizens; thus, thinks that he was born to run terrorist activities. Although there is not a clear profile of

TERRORIST ATTACKS GENERATE A GREAT PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT IN CITIZENS

46 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Indeed, many countries have suffered the terrible consequences of terrorism, and although they have different origins, the pain people experience is similar. In Colombia for example, our inhabitants have lived through the attacks of terrorist groups for more that 50 years; here we are going to talk about two of the most significant events, specifically in terms of the harm they produced:

THE MASSACRE OF BOJAYÁ

The massacre of Bojayá, one of the bloodiest of Colombia, took place on May 2nd 2002 in the refuged due to the violent attacks between the Department of Chocó, was perpetrated by the FARC and the Paramilitary groups. FARC Colombian guerrilla. This revolutionary army group launched a gas canister into the church of the The Colombian journalist, Neira (2014) reported municipally of this town, where the 300 civilians were that this event produced the death of 119 people and the displacement of about 6.000; this event changed the history of Colombia as well as the life psychopathy for the terrorists, there is a common element: They do not think they are wrong, of many people from the Pacific coast, because but on the contrary, they think they deserve some merits for their activity; besides, a terrorist the population of that region, the Colombian attributes his problems to anyone outside his own group, which is why he does not hesitate to citizens, the army forces and the government dehumanize the victims. know that it was one of the worst moments in the history of our country; it resulted in the death Cultural: The treatment an individual receives from the society they live in and in their own of 10% of the local population. Lately, during the personal life is a cultural feature that has a huge impact on the terrorist activity. In societies where Colombian Peace Agreement, the Guerrilla group people identify themselves in terms of a group member, family, clan, or tribe, it is a wish and merit has accepted their guilty but the civilians have for them to sacrifice themselves in pursuit of common goals, in order to ensure their acceptance not forgotten the event. by others. Likewise, Quiceno & Orjuela (2017) highlight that from those events and the consequences, Bojayá continues to be a symbol to debate of the Colombian Army conflict, a scene of transition in the peace building process at on a national scale. Additionally, this event has been the object of analysis at national and international level, and a

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 47 situation that the Colombian community has to event caused serious physical and psychological President Francois Hollande (2012-2017) overcome and not permit that it happen again. damage to the people of Bogota and a sensation described the attacks like an "act of war" by of insecurity, panic and terror during a long time. so-called Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS THE NOGAL TERRORIST ATTACK or ISIL; The chief prosecutor in Paris said that Finally, the terrorist groups have been the origin the terrorists belonged to the most violent and This was also one of the most representative of a lot of terrorist attacks in big cities, small town radical branches within political Islam, a group terrorist attacks that has taken place in the capital and the countryside without discrimination; they characterized by the frequent use of terrorism in of Colombia, Bogotá; the Espectador magazine only want to demonstrate their high power and the name of Jihad, or the "Holy War" in the name (2003) reported that at 8:15 p.m. on February influence in front of governments but the only of Allah. This militant group is from the Middle 7th 2003, a car bomb loaded with 200 kilos of ones harmed are the citizens. East and has committed many attacks, such as a explosives went off at the fourth level in a parking bomb in Iraq in 2013, attack to police officers in lot in the El Nogal Club. It happened during the In fact, terrorism is a global phenomenon that Queens USA in 2014, a police station attack in government of President Álvaro Uribe Velez, Vice frequently leaves victims in its wake; here there France, 2014, among others. President Francisco Santos and the Colonel Jorge are two of the most high profile attacks in recent Enrique Mora, commander of the Colombian times that made international headlines: On this occasion, the terrorist act was focused military forces. on the Bataclan hall, a well-known concert hall, BATACLAN THEATRE MASSACRE and was carried out by three gunmen who killed Moreover, the Semana magazine (2003) reported hundreds of people. The police entered the that this fact was imputed by the Teófilo Forero The BBC News (2015) reported that on Friday concert hall and discovered that the terrorists FARC group. This terrorist attack caused the night, November 13th 2015, six simultaneous had massacred the hostages using explosives and death of 35 people and injured a further 198. This terrorist attacks took place in Paris. The French powerful firearms.

48 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 TERRORISM COULD“ BE DEFINED AS THE DELIBERATE USE OF OR THE THREAT TO USE

of them have been perpetrated by insurgent

VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS IN ORDER TO ATTAIN Colombian groups and local criminals. In POLITICAL, IDEOLOGICAL“ AND RELIGIOUS AIMS. countries abroad, the attacks are usually carried out by groups like Al- Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf, Al- Aqsa Martyr’s Brigades, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Hezbollah, the Islamic State of Iraq and TERRORIST ATTACK AT THE to the stadium, which was busy at the time. The the Levant, Kurdistan Workers’ party, Palestinian STADE DE FRANCE French president, Francois Hollande and 80,000 Islamic Jihad, Taliban, among others; there are spectators were watching the match, all people small cells which in many cases are related to On November 2015, another important attack were led onto the pitch along with the players of the previous groups; furthermore, there are the happened when three explosions occurred in the both teams with the police guarding them closely; “lone wolves” who are defined in by Bakker, E. surrounding are of the Stade de France, a famous The president was evacuated immediately outside and Graaf, B. (2010) as “a person that are inspired stadium in Paris, where France’s national football the stadium, according to media reports. by a certain group but who are not under the team were playing a friendly soccer match against command of any other person, group or network According to the previous events, we can see Germany. According to the Mail Online News “ (p. 2); thus, they have caused a lot of deaths how terrorism has a greater scope in national (2017), it caused more than 129 fatalities and 352 and harm, especially in countries like USA, United and international contexts. In our country, most casualties. The attacks took place at a bar, close Kingdom, France, Spain, and others.

Finally, we could say that Colombia has had its own social problems which have caused terrorist attacks along the country; Most of them have been the result of inequality of social groups and bad governments; thus, the massacres of innocent people that have changed the history of many people in Colombia and abroad. The lack of definitive and effective instruments for addressing the problem of terrorist actions under international law and institutions, ambiguities and uncertainties of juridical responsibility provide special opportunities and vulnerabilities for exploitation both by terrorist agents and affected authorities.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 49 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ganor, B. (2002). Defining Terrorism: is one man’s terrorist another de Memoria Histórica, Bogotá, Colombia. Retrieved from: https://revistas. man’s freedom fighter? Police Practice and Research. Retrieved from http:// unal.edu.co/index.php/recs/article/download/65909/60564 creatureandcreator.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/One-Mans-| Terrorist.pdf. 3(4), 297-304. Magazine semana (2003), ¿Quién puso la bomba en el Club El Nogal?, Colombia, Retrieved from: http://www.semana.com/nacion/ Bakker, E. and Graaf, B. (2010). Lone Wolves. How to Precent this articulo/quien-puso-bomba-club-el-nogal/56489-3 Phenomenon? ICCT International Centre for Counter – Terrorism – the Hague. Retrieved from: https://www.icct.nl/download/file/ICCT-Bakker- Magazine el espectador (2003), así volaron el nogal, Colombia. deGraaf-EM-r-Lone-Wolves.pdf Retrieved from: http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/farc/farc-nogal- suspects.htm U.S Army, Field Manual. The Terrorism Research Center. (1996 - 2000). The Basis: Combatting Terrorism. Kansas. Retrieved from: http:// Magazine BBC News (2015), What happened at the www.timeenoughforlove.org/saved/TerrorismResearchCenterBasics.htm Bataclan?, Europe. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/world- europe-34827497 Neira, A. (2014). Agonía sin fin: 12 años de la masacre de Bojayá. Semana Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.semana.com/nacion/ Mail online, (2017) Eight minutes of terror: 'Utter chaos' as three articulo/masacre-de-bojaya-12- anos-despues/385639-3 jihadis wearing hoax suicide vests to repel police go on knife rampage before being shot dead, UK. Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ Quiceno, N. & Orjuela, C. (2017). Bojayá: memory and horizons of article-4570010/Was-London-| terror-knifeman-wearing-suicide-vest. peace. Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia and Centro Nacional html

50 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 THE PEACE PROCESS Between the government and the FARC

BY: MARÍA CAMILA SIERRA FERNÁNDEZ ANGIE DAYANNA ARDILA LONDOÑO ZULET KATERINE JEREZ ARIZA USTA Tunja Law students

Pictures retrieved from Google

To talk about the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC, it is important to know how the organization originated, how a group of subsistence farmers took up arms and the reasons which led them to organize a revolutionary armed group.

The “Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia” (The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), or FARC-EP was born in 1964 as a revolutionary movement that was looking to protect the rights of Colombian peasant farmers. They tried to defend themselves against the political parties’ disputes and the policies of the government;

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 51 they were the product of internal conflicts, social inequalities and alack under the orders of the Coronel José Joaquin Matallana and his battalion of opportunities for citizens. Eventually, however, the situation of the of about 16.000 soldiers. Their purpose was to extinguish the FARC country changed. There were many people, especially in the provinces, guerrilla group hidden there but, despite the strong military force sent, who started following the ideologies of this group, which was led by Pedro Marulanda and his men escaped. The guerrilla group then reorganized Antonio Marín, otherwise known as Manuel Marulanda Vélez or “Tirofijo” itself and from that day, continued with its criminal activities. (“Sureshot”). Since this illegal armed group began, it According to the documents of the has not stopped violating the human Banco de la República de Colombia, the rights set down under international president at the time, Alberto Lleras humanitarian law, violations which Camargo (1958-1962), realized this include but are not limited to: attacks group was a threat for citizens and to police stations, rape, kidnapping, the government and therefore offered extortion, recruitment of minors, them an amnesty to become part of terrorist attacks against infrastructure mainstream society. According to the and drug trafficking. magazine “Semana” (1999), in 1964, By means of its criminal actions, the while a group of guerrillas gathered in group constantly grew, gaining military a town called Marquetalia, President footholds throughout Colombia. Guillermo Leon Valencia ordered an According to the Office of the Historian attack to this small municipality, located Bureau of Public Affairs of the U.S. to the south of the Province of Tolima, Department of State (2004), the

52 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 following are some of the most relevant attacks As law students, we know that many Colombian carried out by the FARC, between 1961 and 2003: people want to "live in peace" and we also From March 21st -23rd 1998, FARC members understand that in our region, Boyacá, we have “ killed three people, injured 4, and kidnapped at not felt the violence as strongly compared to THERE IS A LONG least 27; on February 7th, 2003 the FARC group other places in the country; moreover, because WAY TO GO FOR THE carried out an attack at a night club with a car of our age, about 20, it would be subjective to COLOMBIAN PEOPLE IN bomb, in the capital Bogota, killing 32 people and say if we are for or against the FARC guerrilla wounding a further 160; on May 5th, 2003, the group; Despite the manipulation of information ORDER TO OVERCOME FARC killed 10 hostages when Colombian special from different sources like the media, our friends, THE BURDEN“ OF WAR. forces tried to rescue them from a jungle in the family and even our teachers, we are able to region of Urrao, Antioquia. analyze the information and get a picture of the

Additionally, according to a report of the Semana Magazine (2013) between 2003 and 2012, Colombian history surrounding this topic; the FARC group were responsible for 3,274 We have a clear idea that Colombia needs terrorist attacks. These included the killing of a real change in order to improve the real various members of the Public Forces, attacks conditions of its people, and especially its against bridges and roads, damaging electrical farmers who are suffering the effects of transmission towers and pipelines of the national war. petroleum company Ecopetrol, , as well as damage In recent decades, some Colombian to assets of civil society. governments had tried to sign a peace with Colombia has endured more than 50 years of this the FARC. For example, President Andrés conflict, during which people have experienced Pastrana (1998-2002) made headway with attacks, forced displacement, corruption, the dialogues, the conversations taking inequality, and an array of different factors that place in the area of Cagúan, but neither have aggravated the situation. It has shaped and party could come to an agreement. During shattered society, leaving an aftermath of poverty the government of President Alvaro and destruction in its wake. The solution that Uribe (2002-2010), the Justice and Peace finally arose was simple enough, an agreement Law was developed as a way to reduce between the government and those responsible delinquency. The President himself was for the situation, but the process itself is not characterized for his direct fight against easy; on the contrary, there is a long way to go the guerrilla groups, and he had the for the Colombian people in order to overcome support of the American government. the burden of war. More recently, President Juan Manuel Santos (2010) has been working very hard

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 53 Another very important aspect to face when talking about the guerrilla groups is the recruitment of minors, most of them being recruited against their will, robbing them of a healthy upbringing and changing their toys for weapons, their local park for a jungle, and their family for strangers. There is not an exact number, but according to Suárez (2016), a journalist from the national newspapaper El to sign a peace agreement with the FARC; La Habana, Tiempo, the Colombian State Attorney General stated Cuba was the main location for the peace talks and that from 1975 to 2014, 11.556 children were taken, 33 “ there, both parties were studying the principal topics percent were female, and the ICBF (Instituto Colombiano before singing the Peace Agreement. According to the de Bienestar Familiar – Colombian Institute of Family THE WAR IN “Oficina del Alto Comisionado para la Paz” (Office of Welfare) argued that some 3.600 children had been COLOMBIA High Commission for Peace), these were: the integral disengaged from these activities in the last 17 years. BETWEEN THE rural reform, the political participation of the Guerrilla It appears that the largest recruiters of children in the group, the end of the conflict, the solution to the problem guerrilla were Isaías Trujillo, Iván Márquez, Ruben Morro, GOVERNMENT of Illicit drugs and the implementation, verification and Sergeant Pascuas, Alberto Cancharina and Pastor Alape. AND THE FARC endorsement of the agreement. Several of these individuals were in Havana negating the HAS CLAIMED peace process. THE LIVES OF In order to validate the Peace Process, the government MANY COLOMBIAN organized a plebiscite on October 2nd, 2016, where Finally, on November 24th 2016, the peace process was the NO won the popular vote. One of the strategies signed between the Colombian Government and the PEOPLE WHO HAVE used by opponents was to promote disinformation and leaders of the FARC; nowadays, we are experiencing the

BEEN CAUGHT IN spread fear in the population. Gaining a YES result for post-conflict era that also has some others problems,

this plebiscite was the most important task of President such as the assimilation of guerrillas into civil life and THE CROSSFIRE.“ Santos, since he had good reasons to continue with the their acceptance by society. This will not be an easy task, process, taking into account that he promised the peace but it is a very important step the Colombian people on the national and international stage. have to take in order to end this long end.

54 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 Conclusion The war in Colombia between the government and the FARC has claimed We cannot talk about the often referred to “peace of President Santos”, the lives of many Colombian people who have been caught in the crossfire. because peace belongs to each one of us and the war must end for the In 50 years of war, the FARC has attacked the country more than 3.000 collective good. Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind that the times. Although this war has caused the death of many innocent victims, it FARC is not the only rebel group in Colombia and thus, it is also our is time to forgive but not forget what has happened and to not let history responsibility as citizens to attain peace with them, under the protection repeat itself. of the government.

Banco de la República de Colombia. Política de Colombia. El Frente Nacional. Biblioteca Bibliography Virtual Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango. Retrieved from: http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/ ayudadetareas/politica/el_frente_nacional

Revista Semana (1999). Marquetalia 35 años después. Retrieved from: http://www. semana.com/especiales/articulo/marquetalia-35-anos-despues-seccion-especiales-edicion-891- jun-28-1999/39734

Office of the Historian Bureau of Public Affairs of U.S. Department of State (2004). Significant terrorist Incidents, 1961 – 2003: A Brief Chronology. Retrieved from: https://2001-|2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/pubs/fs/5902.h

Revista Semana, (2013). FARC y explosivos, una combinación que siembra terror. Retrieved from: http://www.verdadabierta.com/justicia-y-paz/versiones/529-fuerzas-armadas- revolucionarias-de-colombia-farc/4559-farc-y-explosivos-una-combinacion-que-siembra- terror

Oficina del Alto Comisionado para la Paz. El Acuerdo Final de paz, La oportunidad para construir paz. Retrieved from: http://www.altocomisionadoparalapaz.gov.co/herramientas/Documents/Nuevo_ enterese_version_6_Sep_final_web.pdf

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 55 TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE The peace talks between the government IN THE PEACE of the President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), PROCESS BETWEEN also known as the peace process in Colombia, took place in Oslo and in Havana. According to the government, its main objective was the end of THE COLOMBIAN the conflict with the insurgent group; according to the FARC group, to seek peace with social GOVERNMENT AND FARC justice through dialogue.

BY: Transitional justice is known as a set of legal and ZULLY HASBLEYDI BUSTAMANTE RODRÍGUEZ Pictures retrieved from USTA Tunja law student Google political instruments which victims can adopt

56 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 “ Transitional justice is known as a set of legal and political instruments which victims for reparation due to their human rights being the commitment of the Colombian government can adopt for reparation violated. These instruments include: criminal to the truth and memory with the signature of prosecutions, truth commissions, reparation the Decretos Leyes (Law Decrees) that created due to their human rights

programs and legal and institutional reforms. the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, being violated. Coexistence and Non-Repetition, which is one “ Based on the International Center for Transitional of the definitive steps to achieve peace and Justice (ICTJ), it is affirmed that transitional justice reconciliation. is not a special type of justice, but a different form of seeing the ultimate objective of justice, It is important to talk about Transitional Justice where the goal is to reestablish rights, not to in Colombian because the internal conflict has demean them, but to create a space to talk about been affecting the whole of society; nevertheless, justice. This transitional justice gives the victims some zones are more affected than others; among the recognition of their rights, promoting public the most affected are Nariño, Huila, Putumayo confidence and strengthening the rule of law. (El Caguán), Caquetá, Norte de Santander (el Catatumbo), Arauca, Cauca and Antioquia. In In Colombia, “transitional justice” has been talked general, Colombia has always experienced about since 2006, when the ICTJ came to work internal conflicts due to different factors like in Colombia, advising national institutions and inequality, poverty, unemployment, health civil society about the creation and subsequent problems, educational conditions, and violation implementation of effective and efficient legal of human rights. mechanisms to protect the rights that were once violated by illegal groups. Its presence was also The Colombian justice system, alongside the necessary in order to repair and compensate the government had to implement strategies that victims. On April 5th 2017, the ICTJ celebrated contribute effectively to achieving peace with

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 57 the illegal armed group. The State uses a model of and consequently, there are many people who disagree transitional justice which consists in the selection of with this mode of justice, as they think there are a lot the type of penalty that rebels want to pay. It is applied of benefits for the guerrilla groups. Others, however, to those who are responsible for war crimes and crimes think that this may be the only way to attain peace in It is important to talk against humanity, in exchange for reparation of victims Colombia. and commitment to non-repetition. This type of justice about transitional guarantees the protection of both the perpetrators and justice in colombian the victims. And so the question is: How then can a true because the internal According to El Tiempo Newspaper, (2015), the reconciliation achieve? conflict has been agreement signed in Havana established two major affecting the whole routes to give legal grounds to the process with the There are several controversial stances. The first one FARC, these being an amnesty and a pardon. Therefore, seeks reconciliation as soon as possible, getting over of society there is no jail time but instead, there are amnesties the past; a second one insists on justice and punishment and pardons for all kinds of crimes against humanity for those who have violated human rights; a third group argues that it is necessary to trust in the reconciliation process to achieve peace.

58 | SHIMMERING WORDS MAGAZINE / 2017 According to the Argentinian lawyer Mendez (2012), there is a clear consensus that the human rights violations of the recent past are demanding an affirmative response. Consequently, the international community must create institutions where victims can receive the necessary support to achieve integral reparation.

In any case, history is marked by great arguments in favor and calls for prudence not to break the fragile balances that can be The State uses “a model of transi- achieved for the sake of the requirement that the perpetrators assume responsibility for tional justice which consists in the

their acts or that this responsibility be imputed selection of the type of penalty to a lesser degree, as may be the case. that rebels want“ to pay.

In conclusion, the ultimate and main challenge for justice in this case is the reconstruction Bibliography of trustful relations between the State and the Colombian citizens, especially in the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) (2017). Colombia reafirma su compromiso countryside, where the conflict was felt more con la verdad y la memoria con la creación de la Comisión de la Verdad y la Unidad de Búsqueda de strongly. This will only be viable by paying Desaparecidos. Retrieved from: https://www.ictj.org/es/news/colombia-comision-verdad-unidad- adequate attention to the four aspects that desaparecidos Méndez J. (2012). La Justicia de Transición y el Derecho Internacional. Universidad del constitute transitional justice: justice, truth, Salvador, Buenos Aires. reform and reparation. If these aspects are guaranteed in the transitional justice applied Rousseau, J. (1781). Ensayo sobre el origen de las lenguas. Ediciones GODOT. in the Colombian peace process with the

FARC, this country will reach a viable and El blog de info idiomas – Las 8 mejores redes para aprender idiomas. Consultado el 5 de mayo de lasting peace. 2016 http://www.infoidiomas.com/blog/5117/las-7-mejores-redes-sociales-para-aprender-idiomas/.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE / USTA TUNJA | 59 2017