In response to its offer of humanitarian services, the ICRC received a request from FARC-EP to facilitate the return of the bodies to the families, so that they can begin the mourning process. The Colombian government has consented to this action on the part of the ICRC.

The ICRC emphasizes that in the interests of the victims’ families and in order to ensure the success of the operation, it must be conducted in a confidential manner, observing discretion with regard to all the parties concerned. The organization also states that in order for the operation to take place, both parties must give full security guarantees for the area concerned.

In accordance with its humanitarian mandate, the ICRC will carry out this operation as soon as possible once all the necessary conditions have been fulfilled.