Search

This paper assesses the impact of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Sudanese government challenged and undermined the jurisdiction of the ICC from the start. Conversely, the leading actors in the DRC supported the ICC, viewing it as a key component in efforts to end impunity in the country.

This report focuses the Lomé Accord of 1999, that ended the Sierra Leone's 10 year civil war. It examines the negotiation dynamics influencing its creation and the impact of the accord from 1999 to 2007. The peace accord is often remembered for its unconditional amnesty provisions, which met strong international condemnation. However, it seems that the origin and its impact of the amnesty have not been well understood - and was determined by the incontestable political and military realities of the time.

This journal article examines challenges to the legitimacy of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). These challenges include selective impunity, the highly selective nature of the jurisdiction of the STL, and the fears that the STL itself will act as an instrument for foreign powers. These challanges may be addressed by the UN and STL through their operations - by transparently selecting judges and senior officials, attracting funding from a variety of states, and conducting effective outreach.

This paper evaluates the Dujail trial, the first of fourteen trials in Iraq against persons accused of crimes against humanity. Although the trial was potentially a new attempt at Iraqi justice, it fell short in many ways. Ultimately, it was rendered ineffective due to political interference, lack of judicial independence, and absence of cultural respect and impartiality in the judicial process.

This report examines the effectiveness of war crimes prosecutions in Serbia. While the War Crimes Chamber (WCC) and the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor (OWCP) have had some success, significant concerns exist - such as opposition from ethnic nationalists. Despite shortcomings, the WCC and OWCP can potentially help provide justice, especially if given more active domestic and international political support.

This paper highlights positive examples of the media's role in contributing to public debates about the war in the former Yugoslavia. It compares and contrasts state-controlled media before and during the war with independent media. Ultimately, it considers the media's potential for promoting further debate and reflection and contributing to transitional justice.

This reference manual offers a template for developing and operating an internationally-assisted criminal justice institution. It provides a practical basis for setting up such an institution from an administrative perspective, drawing on numerous relevant practices currently used in existing institutions. It aims to highlight the importance of flexibility and innovation, and comments on other areas of responsibility that overlap with administrative functions.

This paper examines the benefits of introducing justice-related considerations into disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs, an idea that has only recently been considered. Drawing links between DDR and reparations programs – the former a peace and security measure and the latter a justice measure– can make both more effective. Synergizing the two can contribute to creating both a more peaceful and more just future.

This study focuses on the pursuit of criminal justice within a time of conflict. It examines various aspects of pursuing justice in the context of ongoing conflict, including the interests of victims, governments, the UN Security Council, traditional leaders, and mediators. It highlights the difficulty of conducting an investigation during conflict, and provides suggestions on options for preserving justice in the future.

Following the first international conference on the subject (Memorialization and Democracy), this report considers how memorialization efforts around the globe can serve democracy. It encourages policy-makers to view memorials as serious social and political forces and to create innovative strategies for integrating them into democracy-building plans. It aims to encourage continuing discussion and analysis on the subject, emphasizing that memorialization plays a central role in the direction and shape of civic life and politics.