1446 results

Nepal: Rethinking Transitional Justice Post Elections

In this opinion piece, Lucia Withers argues that Nepal's elected parties and their representatives should not limit their discussions to the establishment of a truth commission or whether it will provide for amnesties and/or prosecutions. Rather, they should focus on designing policies that are more comprehensive and that would better serve the rights and needs of conflict victims and contribute to broader peace-building efforts.

11/18/13
In Focus

To Build Peace, Seek Truth About the Past

Dating back to the 1980s, when peace settlements were made across Latin America, truth commissions have become an important component of peace negotiations. In this opinion piece, ICTJ President David Tolbert calls for societies to give truth commissions a chance of fulfilling their potential by learning from their failures and success.

11/20/13
In Focus

In Reintegration Programs, Seeing Former Child Soldiers as More Than Just Victims

In this op-ed marking Universal Children’s Day, ICTJ's Virginie Ladisch explains why within transitional justice, the capacity to make positive choices and demonstrate moral agency are attributes that need to be encouraged and fostered in children, especially former child soldiers.

11/19/13
In Focus

ICTJ Forum Series: Truth Commissions and Peace Mediation

Can truth commissions help secure a just peace following a violent conflict in which massive human rights abuses are committed? In this special series of the ICTJ Forum, we present a series of conversations with some of the world’s top peace mediators and truth commission experts, whose collective experience include years on the front lines of critical peace agreements in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

11/22/13
In Focus

Lawyers for Guatemala’s Ixil Community Take Justice Demands to Inter-American Commission

Guatemalan lawyers for victims in the case against former dictator Efraín Ríos Mont filed a petition before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to condemn the state of Guatemala for the impunity for crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity committed against the Ixil people.

12/02/13
In Focus

ICTJ Mourns the Passing of Nelson Mandela, a Luminary in the Struggle for Justice

ICTJ mourns the passing today of Nelson Mandela, a luminary in the struggle for equal rights in South Africa and around the world. “Nelson Mandela’s courage in the face of oppression, his steadfast commitment to his principles and his magnanimous leadership during a difficult period of transition have long been an inspiration to me personally as well as to millions around the world. As we mourn our loss today, we celebrate a life of true greatness, dedicated to justice, without rancor or bitterness,” said David Tolbert, president of ICTJ.

12/06/13
In Focus

ICTJ Welcomes Tunisia’s Historic Transitional Justice Law

ICTJ welcomes the historic passage of the Draft Organic Law on the Organization of Transitional Justice Foundations and Area of Competence by the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly (NCA). In a nearly unanimous vote on Sunday, 125 of 126 deputies voted in favor of the law.

12/16/13
Press Releases

Three Years after Revolution, Tunisians Seek Justice through Collective Reparation and Development

Three years after Tunisia's revolution, victims in the south of the country are still facing severe economic and social marginalization. In recent workshops with ICTJ, they explain why collective reparations and development are both central parts of their vision of justice.

12/18/13
In Focus

Three Years Since Revolution, Tunisia Seeks to Reckon With Difficult Past

Marking three years since Tunisia's revolution, ICTJ President David Tolbert argues that transitional justice developments in the country are not only worthy of attention, but serve as useful markers for transitions in the region and beyond.

01/14/14
In Focus

In Cote d’Ivoire, Civil Society Leads Effort to Realize Reparative Justice

Nearly three years after violence in Cote d’Ivoire claimed the lives of over three thousand civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands, victims have yet to receive adequate reparation for the harm they suffered. ICTJ convened victims’ organizations, civil society, government officers and others to assess how the country should move forward to ensure victims see their right to reparation fulfilled.

02/03/14
In Focus

In Tunisia, Appointing Strong Commissioners Is the Next Step in Uncovering Truth

As the Tunisian government takes firm steps to investigate human rights abuses committed since 1955, including under the Ben-Ali regime, ICTJ calls for care and attention in appointing members to the upcoming Truth and Dignity Commission.

02/04/14
Press Releases

Thomas Buergenthal Reflects on a Life Inspired by Moral Resistance, Dedicated to Justice

In December, ICTJ partnered with NYU School of Law and the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice to host Auschwitz survivor and Judge Thomas Buergenthal for the 7th Annual Emilio Mignone Lecture on Transitional Justice.

02/07/14
In Focus

ICTJ and Center for Global Affairs to Host Conversation on Africa and the International Criminal Court

Join ICTJ and the Center for Global Affairs for a conversation on how the ICC and the African Union can move forward, and what the AU position means for effective prosecutions within Africa and elsewhere.

02/24/14
In Focus

Failing to Deal with the Past: What Cost to Lebanon?

This report examines the situation of impunity in Lebanon that has persisted since the 1975-1990 war through the lenses of core elements of transitional justice. It analyzes Lebanon’s past experience of ineffective transitional justice measures -- including limited domestic trials, na...

by

ICTJ

Report

Maine's Indigenous Truth Commission Marks First Year

The Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the first of its type in the United States, marks one year of work.

02/28/14
In Focus

New ICTJ Study Highlights Consequences for Lebanon of Not Dealing with the Past

A culture of impunity for serious violations of human rights continues to thrive in Lebanon, says a report released today by ICTJ.

03/03/14
Press Releases

Lebanon: The Cost of Impunity

For decades, Lebanese governments have made only partial and ineffective attempts to hold powerful individuals, groups, and foreign states accountable for violations committed on Lebanese soil, including against civilians. The consequences of their failure to act – for victims and Lebanese society – are grave. ICTJ's new report looks at the culture of impunity for serious violations of human rights continues to thrive in Lebanon.

03/03/14
In Focus

ICTJ Mourns the Death of Guatemalan Supreme Court Justice Cesar Barrientos

ICTJ is deeply saddened by the death of Guatemalan Supreme Court Justice Doctor Cesar Barrientos Pellecer, this past March 2. Guatemala has lost one of its greatest crusaders against impunity in the country.

03/05/14
In Focus

Transitional Justice and Women’s Rights: Four Countries to Watch This Year

To mark International Women’s Day, we invite you to read about four countries at the top of our gender justice priorities in the coming year, each with its own history, context, and complex sets of challenges.

03/05/14
In Focus

Transition in Tunisia: The Role of the Media

In the span of only one month, Tunisia has witnessed the historic passing of a transitional justice law and adoption of a new constitution. A key actor in the country's transition is the media.

03/27/14
In Focus

ICTJ Expresses Deep Concern Over Egypt Death Sentences

ICTJ has expressed deep concern over the criminal proceedings that resulted in the imposition of death sentences on 529 supporters of former President Mohamed Morsi in Egypt on Monday. The verdict, announced by a criminal court in Minya, came after a trial that lasted less than an hour, according to news reports.

03/27/14
Press Releases

Seeking the Truth about the Missing in Lebanon: An Interview with Nizar Saghieh

Lebanon has ruled that families of missing and disappeared persons would be allowed access to the investigation files and full report of the Commissions of Inquiry on the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared in Lebanon. In a new episode of our ICTJ Forum, we speak with lawyer Nizar Saghieh about what the ruling means for Lebanese families who continues to search for their missing loved ones.

04/02/14
In Focus

Transitional Justice Should Be Part of Serbia’s Accession to the EU

In this op-ed, ICTJ President David Tolbert argues that in order to meet the EU’s high standards on the rule of law and human rights, Serbia must address the legacy of its recent past in which Slobodan Milosevic’s regime and the institutions under its control were involved in some of the most notorious crimes committed in Europe since World War II.

04/03/14
In Focus

Canada TRC Enters a New Stage: Preparing the Final Report

From March 27 to 30, some 20,000 Canadians gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, for the final national event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Established in 2008, the TRC is now entering a new stage: the writing of its final report based on the more than 6,500 statements it has gathered.

04/10/14
In Focus

ICTJ Urges Nepal to Amend Flawed Bill on Truth Seeking

As Nepal’s Parliament discussed key proposal to establish truth-seeking bodies, the ICTJ expresses deep concern that the bill retains flaws already rejected by the country’s Supreme Court in January.

04/21/14
Press Releases

"My Healing Has Begun": Uganda Votes to Provide Gender-Sensitive Reparations Fund

More than six years after the war in Uganda came to a formal end, the country has taken a landmark first step by unanimously adopting a resolution to establish a reparations fund informed by the experiences of both men and women.

04/23/14
In Focus

Watch Your Step: Theater Production and Heritage Tour to Open in Beirut

ICTJ is pleased to announce the opening of an innovative site-specific theater performance in Beirut to mark the 39th anniversary of the Lebanese Civil War.

04/22/14
In Focus

New Book from ICTJ Explores Links Between Culture and Transitional Justice

A new book from ICTJ explores the ways in which cultural and social factors interact with national efforts to achieve accountability and reform in the wake of human rights abuses or conflict. How can journalists influence national views on a legacy of violence? How can art be used to spark discussions on accountability? These and other questions are addressed in Transitional Justice, Culture, and Society: Beyond Outreach.

04/28/14

Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Joins ICTJ Board of Directors

ICTJ is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess to its Board of Directors.

04/28/14

Up for Debate: The Role of Media in Transitional Justice

ICTJ is pleased to announce it will host a series of online debates on new challenges and cutting-edge issues in transitional justice.

04/30/14
In Focus

In Wake of Dictatorship, Civil Society in Tunisia Prepares to Help Women Speak Their Truth

After emerging from its revolution with a new constitution and a comprehensive transitional justice law, Tunisia is setting into motion a process to learn the truth about the country’s time under repressive rule.

05/13/14
In Focus

DRC: Refusal to Pardon Serious Crimes Signals Justice Could be On the Way

A new amnesty law passed by the government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will grant amnesty to hundreds of members of armed groups engaged in hostilities, including members of the infamous M23 rebels, but stops short of pardoning serious crimes.

05/15/14
In Focus

Lessons to Be Learned: An Analysis of the Final Report of Kenya’s Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission

This paper analyzes the contents of the Final Report that the Kenyan Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 21, 2013, after four years of investigations. In particular, it evaluates the report’s information and findings, the lo...

by

Christopher Gitari Ndungú

Briefing Paper

Kenya TJRC Final Report Deserves Serious Analysis and Action

One year after its release, ICTJ presents a critical overview of the Final Report of Kenya’s Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission in a new study released today. The ICTJ study argues that, despite the controversies that surrounded the commission during its tenure, the Final Report should be read and treated with seriousness by those who support human rights and the rule of law in Kenya.

05/19/14
Press Releases

Let the Victims Speak: A Voice from Peru on the Commissions on Truth and Disappearances

Seven and a half years after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Nepal's Parliament voted to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission of Investigation on Disappeared Persons. In this op-ed, ICTJ's Eduardo González Cueva explains why many victims have rejected the bill.

05/21/14
In Focus

ICTJ to Take Part in Eighth Al Jazeera Forum: “Change in the Arab World: Where To?”

ICTJ President David Tolbert will be a featured speaker at this year’s Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Qatar. Al Jazeera Forum is the flagship event of Al Jazeera Media Network, at which Al Jazeera showcases its contribution to the world of media and politics.

05/21/14
In Focus

New Edition of Hatun Willakuy Shares Findings of Peru’s Truth Commission, Aimed at Wider Audiences

Three human rights groups have joined together to publish a new English edition of Hatun Willakuy, a book presenting the abridged findings of Peru’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, on its tenth anniversary. The book, which is available online, will allow a larger number of readers to benefit from the findings of Peru’s truth-seeking process.

05/23/14
Press Releases

Nexus Between Transitional Justice and Development

ICTJ participated in the launch of a new report on the relationship between transitional justice and development, launched by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).

05/27/14
In Focus

20 Years On, ANC Rules but Legacy of Apartheid Still Lingers

In early May, the African National Congress (ANC) held on to power in South Africa’s general election. However, there is a widespread feeling that the party that oversaw the creation of the groundbreaking Truth and Reconciliation Commission has walked away from its obligations to the South African people.

05/28/14
In Focus

ICTJ Announces 6th Intensive Course on Truth Commissions

ICTJ and the Barcelona International Peace Resource Center (BIPRC) are pleased to announce the 6th Intensive Course on Truth Commissions, focused on a practical approach about the challenges in the design and implementation of a truth commission and, this year, exploring its intersections with peace processes.

05/29/14
In Focus

At Doha Forum, ICTJ President David Tolbert Addresses Hard Truth of Transitions in the Arab World

Three years after the so-called the “Arab Spring,” the post-revolution era has so far been marked by a mix of hope and hardships. At the 8th Al Jazeera Forum, ICTJ President David Tolbert explains what went wrong.

06/05/14
In Focus

ICTJ Program Report: Tunisia

Since the uprising that sparked the "Arab Spring," Tunisians have demonstrated unwavering commitment to transitional justice. In this interview, ICTJ's Head of Office Rim El Gantri gives an overview of the country's efforts to address the truth about the past, seek justice for abuses committed under decades of repression, and provide reparations for harm suffered under the former regime.

06/03/14
In Focus

Colombia at a Crossroads: The Impact of Presidential Elections on the Peace Process

Colombia is at a crossroads after the results of the first round of the presidential elections, and the results could have grave consequences for the country's ongoing peace talks. In this interview, Maria Camila Moreno, director of ICTJ's Colombia program explains what's at stake.

06/05/14
In Focus

ICTJ Welcomes Launch of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission

ICTJ welcomes the launch of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission (TDC), a momentous step in the country’s effort to establish the truth about past human rights violations.

06/06/14
Press Releases

ICTJ and the Kofi Annan Foundation Release New Report on the Role of Truth Commissions in Peace Processes

A new report by ICTJ and the Kofi Annan Foundation explores common assumptions about why truth commissions are created in the wake of internal armed conflict and what factors make them more likely to succeed – or fail. The new study will be released on June 19, 2014, at a public presentation jointly hosted by ICTJ and the Kofi Annan Foundation in Geneva.

06/09/14
In Focus

ICTJ Participates in Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

ICTJ joins more than 100 countries and over 900 experts for the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, held this week in London.

06/10/14

In Colombia, Women Affected by Conflict are Agents of Social Change

Recent developments in the country are challenging the taboos of publicly acknowledging sexual violence and paving the way to addressing the impact of conflict on women. Steadily, a broader conversation on a gender-sensitive approach to truth and accountability is burgeoning in Colombia, as well as on promoting women’s active participation in decision-making processes to redress victims of human rights violations.

06/11/14
In Focus

Challenging the Conventional: Can Truth Commissions Strengthen Peace Processes?

This joint report by ICTJ and the Kofi Annan Foundation explores common assumptions about why truth commissions are created in the wake of armed conflict and what factors make them more likely to succeed – or fail. It arises from a high-level symposium hosted by the two organizations ...

Report

Youth and Transitional Justice: The Power of Education

On the Day of the African Child, ICTJ recognizes the power of education to transform society, and acknowledges children and young people as agents of societal change, especially in countries dealing with a legacy of abuse.

06/16/14
In Focus

The Accountability Gap on Sexual Violence in Kenya: Reforms and Initiatives Since the Post-Election Crisis

This briefing paper reviews the Kenyan government’s response to sexual and gender-based violence committed against women, men, and children during the 2007/2008 post-election crisis. It draws on interviews with over 40 survivors about their experience and analyzes the laws and transit...

Briefing Paper