Code for "Reparations for Victims: Lessons from Colombia"

Reparations recognize and address the harm victims suffered during the war, conflict, or authoritarianism, and some experts argue that the compensation can also help victims to rebuild life projects. Using linked administrative microdata, we study the world's largest reparations program, currently being implemented in Colombia. First, we provide descriptive evidence on Colombia's conflict victims. Then, we shed light on how reparations' various aims have shaped the program's design and implementation features and who has received compensation. Lastly, we discuss the practical challenges and tensions in balancing the various goals of reparations programs under tight fiscal constraints and limited state capacity.