Iván Velásquez Gómez
Iván Velásquez Gómez | |
|---|---|
Velásquez Gómez in 2023 | |
| Colombian Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| Assumed office 7 May 2025 | |
| President | Gustavo Petro |
| Preceded by | Alberto Ospina |
| Minister of National Defence | |
| In office 7 August 2022 – 20 February 2025 | |
| President | Gustavo Petro |
| Preceded by | Diego Molano |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Sánchez |
| 3rd Head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala | |
| In office 1 October 2013 – 3 September 2019 | |
| Secretary-General | Ban Ki-moon António Guterres |
| Preceded by | Francisco Dall'Anese |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Iván Velásquez Gómez 5 May 1955 |
| Party | Independent |
| Spouse |
María Victoria Gil (m. 1979) |
| Education | University of Antioquia (LLB) |
| Awards | Right Livelihood Award |
Iván Velásquez Gómez (born 12 May 1955) is a Colombian lawyer, jurist, academic, politician and diplomat who has served as Ambassador of Colombia to the Holy See and the Order of Malta since 2025. He served as Minister of national defence and head of the international commission against impunity in Guatemala.
Born in Medellín, Antioquia, he graduated in Law from the University of Antioquia. He served as a litigator and director of the Antioquia Bar Association. He served as assistant magistrate of the Council of State from 1996 to 1997. He promoted the interinstitutional committee on human rights during his time as the Office of the Inspector General of Colombia. He coordinated the Investigative Support Commission of the Criminal Chamber, tasked with investigating relations between members of congress and paramilitaries from 2000 to 2006.
In July 2022, President Gustavo Petro appointed him Minister of National Defence. He assumed office on August 7. He resigned in February 2025. He was confirmed as Ambassador of Colombia to the Holy See in May 2025.