Scots lawyer to give insight into human rights in Colombia

Simon Crabb has been in South America since 2012, and will provide an insight into Colombia’s transition from armed conflict to peace.

He will examine how human rights abuses should be investigated, prosecuted, judged and sentenced, and whether justice can or should be compromised in the search for peace.

“The recent publication of the agreement on victims between the national government and the guerrilla organisation, FARC-EP, represents a historic step for victims of the armed conflict in Colombia,” said Mr Crabb.

“Its successful implementation, in accordance with international law, presents both challenges and opportunities for Colombian society, the country´s institutions and the international community.

“I greatly look forward to analysing the current situation and what lies ahead for Colombia with members of the Scottish legal profession.”

Mr Crabb completed a law degree at the University of Strathclyde before studying international law and international relations, including conflict studies, at the Complutense University of Madrid.

On returning to Scotland, he undertook his traineeship at the Crown Office, and worked as a procurator fiscal depute in the Highlands.

In 2012, he moved to Colombia as a field and advocacy officer for Peace Brigades International, Alliance for Lawyers at Risk.

Since 2013, he has been a legal advisor and project co-ordinator in Colombia for Lawyers Without Borders, Canada. His work has centred on human rights, international humanitarian and international criminal law issues.

The talk, in the Faculty’s Mackenzie Building, is on Tuesday, 9 February, at 4:30pm – full details are available here.