Updated

Colombia's transitional justice system is beginning its work investigating and preparing cases on crimes committed during the nation's five-decade conflict.

Officials said Thursday that victims will now be able to file complaints with the newly created jurisdiction and hailed the commencement as a historic step toward reconciliation.

It's not yet been determined when the cases will be heard in court.

Nearly 4,700 ex-combatants with the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia have already committed to confessing their crimes to special peace tribunals and making reparations to victims.

The former rebels reached an accord with the government in 2016.

More than 250,000 people were killed, millions displaced and at least 60,000 left missing during the conflict between leftist rebels, government forces and paramilitary groups.