Putting money where are causes are: Fundraising for women’s groups facing the financial crisis
Few people remain unaffected by the recent economic crises, and small organizations dependent on foundations and fundraising efforts are in a particularly difficult position.
In this timely article, originally published by ON THE ISSUES magazine, Marion Banzhaf offers some welcome advice for women’s organizations in particular.
The School-to-Prison Pipeline in Massachusetts
The School-to-Prison Pipeline in Massachusetts Author: Nicole Pion Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 12/04/2007 Category: Analysis II In 2003, minority youth in Massachusetts made up 24% of the juvenile population yet constituted a disproportionate 58% of all detention placements and 62% of the youths committed within the Department of Youth Services (DYS).[1] […]
The African Court of Justice and Human Rights: Future Political and Jurisdictional Realities and Challenges
Thompson Ugiagbe analyzes the African Court of Justice and Human Rights by examining the court´s use of ratione materiae, ratione personae and ratione temporis . After a careful examination of the challenges the court faces, including accessibility, accountability and unclear provisions, Ugiagbe stresses the need for the Court to base its decisions on principles while being pragmatic in awards, so as to ensure legitimacy. He argues for the revitalization of the African Human Rights Commission as well as building the court´s capacity through training exchange programmes and internships.
Validity and Justice: Discrediting the Theory of Just War
Alex Powell tackles the logical problem of Just War theory, putting time-honoured arguments for war under much needed critical scrutiny. The centerpiece of Powell’s argument is relativity, as the absense of a central moral authority, an objective truth, and an unbiased distinction between innocence and guilt undercut the assumptions of classical just war theory to devastating effect.
Prosecution or Impunity? Is there an Alternative?
Marco Fanara analyzes the justice and peace relationship between prosecution and impunity, weighing the costs and benefits of both, seeking answers to the questions of whether states should seek ‘justice’ and prosecute, or grant impunity in the name of ‘reconciliation’? Are there alternatives? Utilizing the case study of Uganda and the ICC’s involvement therein, Fanara’s essay presents arguments for and against both camps, working to answer the question of whether impunity acts as a barrier to lasting peace, or is it a crucial prerequisite?
Reparation of Victims: Seeking a Bottom-up Approach to Transitional Justice
M’bartee Locula examines the role of reparation for victims in post-conflict transitional justice initiatives, highlighting cases in Liberia and Sierra Leone. He emphasizes the need to prioritize further remuneration and justice-seeking for victims over DDR processes, which favor perpetrators, in order to foster reconciliation toward sustainable peace.
The Influence of Judicial Institutions
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanism through which international institutions in general and international courts and tribunals in particular exercise influence. The paper will start with some introductory remarks concerning the philosophical roots of the concept of institution and its link with the idea of law. Using a sociological framework, the discussion will address the relations that exist between institutions and their environment and, therefore, how influence is constructed and exercised upon other entities.
The nature of justice: Irony and the obligation to multiculturalism
Responding to recent tensions in Kenya between government security forces and the Mombasa Republican Council, as well as the activities of unrelated vigilante groups, Humphrey Sipalla discusses the paradox of seeking justice in a largely unjust and essentially multicultural world.
The Fight in Arizona for Progressive Education in the Classroom
There is a huge debate in Tucson, Arizona regarding the elimination from the school curriculum of specific lessons in Mexican-American studies. The argument is that these lessons cause rifts between the school children, further dividing different ethnicities and causing an anti-USA campaign. However, in attempts to protest the new legislation, others argue for the value of the teachings and are pushing to continue the lessons that have been taught for decades. Shakena Goode offers an educated opinion on the situation, with hope for the future of educational liberty in Tucson and beyond.
Transitional justice: Embracing the complexities
Transitional Justice is a field of complexities and differing perspectives. Through analysis of truth commissions and amnesties as transitional justice solutions, Pamela Kovacs argues that embracing this complexity is necessary. Terminology like “victim-centred” and “justice” attempt to simplify and categorize behaviours and past injustices that are inherently complicated and perspective-driven.