Transitional Justice

Truth Commissions and Sexual Violence

Rape and other forms of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) are used as a weapon of war in almost all (internal) armed conflicts. They are among the crimes that are now regularly addressed as part of transitional justice processes. This roundtable discusses how changing international norms and legal frameworks shape the agenda, mandates, and operations of truth commissions when it comes to CRSV - and how truth commissions have contributed to advancing international norms, including the Women, Peace, and Security agenda (set by UN Security Council Resolution 1325) and its focus on the gendered experience of conflict. Drawing on an interdisciplinary research project the panel will present preliminary findings from truth commission processes in Africa and Latin America that have actively addressed CRSV.

This event is part of the CMI/LawTransform project “Truth Commissions and Sexual Violence” (RCN grant).

Introduction: Elin Skaar CMI
Participants: Sinqobile Makhathini and Lesego Sekhu CSVR, South Africa,
Camila Gianella PUCP, Lima, Monica Kirya CMI (tbc*)
Moderator: Pilar Domingo Overseas Development Institute (ODI) UK.

LawTransform - RESEARCH AGENDA FOR THE NEXT DECADE

Transitional Justice

Legal and non-legal mechanisms to address human rights violations committed during internal armed conflict and by previous regimes, have become central tools for societies working towards post-conflict reconstruction and healing of social divisions and are also used as part of peace negotiations. They take many forms, including trials in domestic and international courts, and truth commissions. The transitional toolbox and the range of crimes addressed have expanded greatly over the years. Research on transitional justice processes has been a central part of LawTransform’s research throughout our history (and prehistory), with a broad theoretical and empirical scope. What are the most urgent challenges and research questions to embark on in this field over the next decade? This event is supported by Fritt Ord.

Participants: Pilar Domingo ODI, Camila Gianella PUCP Lima,
Rachel Sieder CIESAS Mexico, Elin Skaar CMI
Moderator: Dorothee Alberts Helmut-Schmidt-Universität Hamburg