“Transitional Justice” has emerged in fragile societies seeking to build peace by asserting justice in the aftermath of systemic violations of human rights. Different societies and governments have formulated different options, ranging from a rather formal approach (i.e. domestic prosecutions, international courts of justice, national truth commissions) to civil intervention (i.e. dialogue projects, perpetrator-victim reconciliation, commemoration/educational work). Generally it is less about an either-or but rather about building a solid basis for a sustainable peace by a reasonable combination of different approaches. Some basic lessons are transferable across different regions. However, this should not be limited to a mere export without taking into consideration local circumstances and potentials. Further it is important not to neglect the psychological impact war and violence might have on people.

The training will give an overview of the different instruments of transitional justice, the multiple and complex processes in this context and their possible contribution to conflict transformation. Case studies of civil society initiatives and examples will be examined and participants will reflect on possible conclusions for peace work in other conflict zones.

Contents:

Legislative and judicative framework, concepts and processes

* Judicially processing the past (truth commissions and tribunals)
* Concepts of human rights protection and protective accompaniment
* Strengthening the rule of the law, strengthening local law and order as a field of conflict transformation

Civilian interventions

* Reconciliation work: Dialogue and mediation processes, Perpetrator/ victim reconciliation
* Commemoration and education work- Testimony, Oral History, Museum work

Crosscutting topic

* psychological impacts of war and violent conflict on processes of transitional justice and how to address these

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