Transitional Justice

What is transitional justice? How should societies address past atrocities and deal with their legacies? What are states’ obligations under international law towards victims and survivors of widespread and massive human rights violations and society as a whole?

About course: 

This seven-week course is designed to explore the key pillars of transitional justice; namely, truth, justice, reparation, memorialization and guarantees of non-repetition. Week one, titled “Foundational Aspects of Transitional Justice”, covers the concept's development and basic principles. Week two, “Dealing with Past Atrocities”, discusses truth and justice mechanisms that are not dependent on transition. The following weeks delve deeper into specific topics, including “The Right to Truth and Truth Commissions” (Week 3), “The Right to Justice and Criminal Prosecutions” (Week 4), “Reparations and Guarantees of Non-repetitions” (Week 5), “Mass Graves” (Week 6), and “Memory and Transitional Justice” (Week 7).

The course features leading academics and experts from universities and institutions across the world who will provide their insights into the field of transitional justice. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of transitional justice and the ways in which societies can navigate and address their difficult pasts.