Definition of Transitional Justice:

Transitional justice refers to a set of legal, political, social, and cultural measures designed to address widespread crimes, human rights violations, and war crimes during transitions from war, dictatorship, or genocide to peace, democracy, and the rule of law.

This transitional period may involve a shift of power from a repressive regime to a democratic government, the end of a civil war, or the conclusion of genocidal campaigns and ethnic cleansing.

Key Objectives of Transitional Justice:

Truth-Seeking: Uncovering the truth about crimes, victims, and perpetrators.

Accountability and Prosecution: Holding perpetrators accountable through fair trials.

Reparation: Providing compensation to survivors and victims.

Institutional Reforms: Rebuilding state and security institutions to prevent the recurrence of crimes.

Reconciliation and Social Reconstruction: Establishing a framework for societal healing and rebuilding the social fabric.

Notable Examples of Transitional Justice in History:

Nuremberg Trials: Post-World War II trials for Nazi war criminals.

South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Following the end of apartheid.

International Tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda: Trials for crimes of genocide and war crimes.

Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia: Prosecution of Khmer Rouge