ICTJ Year in Review

The past year has presented exciting new developments in the field of transitional justice, and over the past 12 months, ICTJ has worked in some of the most dynamic global contexts.

With truth and accountability at the heart of the historic peace talks in Colombia to the groundbreaking new transitional justice law in Tunisia, it’s clear that in societies emerging from conflict or repression, the rights of all citizens and civic trust are firmly on the agenda. We are proud that in many of these contexts, our experts have worked alongside victims, legal professional, policymakers and advocates to share experience and expertise.

It was a year to advance accountability for the highest tier of perpetrators of horrific crimes: in Guatemala, decades of efforts from victims of genocide—coupled with a courageous group of lawyers and judges— came to fruition with the conviction of former General Efrain Rios Montt for genocide. 2013 was also a year marked by the opening of new chapters for societies dealing with legacies of violent conflict or repression: after Sierra Leone’s Special Court upheld the conviction of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, the court formally closed its doors, and the country opened a peace museum to preserve the legacy of the country’s effort to address the past.

We’re also proud that ICTJ has remained on the forefront of innovation in the broader field of transitional justice itself, initiating dialogue with leaders for indigenous rights, leading actors in development and peace mediation, as well as pushing the boundaries of academic research in the effort to understand the complex theoretical underpinnings of social change.

We invite you to review this year of transitional justice; in the new year, we will continue to share powerful stories of those fighting for truth, justice, and dignity in their communities.

Listen to ICTJ President David Tolbert reflect on transitional justice in 2013: