International Center for Transitional Justice

For millions of victims around the world, claiming reparations for serious human rights violations often begins with an application form. Yet, filling out these forms and attempting to register for benefits can become a bureaucratic ordeal that provides neither meaningful relief nor justice for victims. A new guide from the International Center for Transitional Justice aims to change that. It offers lessons to those working on reparations programs on how to engage victims and collect the information they need in order to deliver effective, far-reaching reparations.

Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol died in South African police custody in 1971, and his family continues to demand justice. While police claimed Timol died by suicide, evidence indicated that he was tortured and murdered. The family’s tenacious efforts led to the reopening of an inquest into Timol's death this year, with ICTJ senior program advisor Howard Varney representing the family.

Last month the Pretoria High Court ruled in the family’s favor, finding that Timol did not kill himself but was indeed murdered while in police custody. ICTJ’s Sam McCann sat down with Varney to discuss the ruling, what it means to Timol’s family, and its significance for the fight for justice in South Africa.