Introduction to Transitional Justice

Transitional justice is a vital framework for societies emerging from conflict or dictatorship, aiming to address past human rights abuses. This introductory online course provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and mechanisms of transitional justice, equipping learners with a solid foundation in this complex field.

The course covers the following topics:

• Theoretical perspectives on transitional justice;
• Balancing justice, peacebuilding and reconciliation;
• Truth-seeking mechanisms: truth commissions and their role;
• Memory, memorialization, and commemoration in transitional societies;
• Case studies;
• International criminal justice mechanisms;
• National prosecutions: importance and challenges;
• Reconciliation versus justice debate;
• Marginalized groups and ethical challenges in transitional justice;
• Intersectionality and marginalized groups in transitional justice processes;
• Gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict settings;
• Incorporating gender perspectives into transitional justice mechanisms;
• Ethical dilemmas: balancing justice, peace, and reconciliation;
• Challenges of implementing transitional justice in complex political environments;
• Future directions and innovations in the field.

What will you learn?