Ending impunity and seeking reconciliation in the Central African Republic: Role of Transitional Justice
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been suffering from long-lasting conflicts and is now required to establish the rule of law through Transitional Justice. Transitional justice is for the recovery of countries devastated by conflict. The United Nations describes Transitional Justice as ‘the full range of processes and mechanisms associated with a society’s attempt to come to terms with a legacy of large-scale past abuses.’ (United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council, 2014) and it includes judicial and non-judicial mechanisms, such as the prosecution of perpetrators through national, international or a hybrid justice system, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Then, what kind of efforts have been made to establish transitional justice in the CAR? Which system works well in the context of CAR’s complex conflicts?
Human Rights in Afghanistan
Joe Schumacher quizzes Elizabeth Griffin of Essex University on her Amnesty International sponsored inquiry into Human Rights and the Justice system in Afghanistan. She argues for a bigger role for the UN and greater emphasis on security first.
Education for Peace
The UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan has recently submitted his Report to the United Nations General Assembly on the University for Peace.
Resetting the nuclear disarmament agenda
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addresses the Geneva Lecture in Switzerland, emphasizing the need to prioritize disarmament and forward the Millennium Development Goals.
Lessons from the
The General Assembly of the UN watched the “establishment of an active group of friendly countries to play a particularly important role in supporting the reactivation of the social development in the country (Nicaragua), which will facilitate the strengthening of its institutional and democratic structures.” With the whole world watching how the aftermath of the Iraqi intervention by the US and the UK will pan out, should we be watching how cooperative efforts aided by the UN have worked out elesewhere in recent years?
The Power of Timely Intervention
Michael S Lund, Preventing Violent Conflicts: A Strategy for Preventive Diplomacy, USIP Press, 1996
Einstein and sustainability
“We have heard much about Albert Einstein’s brilliant, ground-breaking, and at times audacious contributions to physics; and we have heard how these contributions continue to guide, challenge, tease and perplex today’s physicists,” says UPEACE Rector Julia Marton-Lefèvre. But what would Einstein think about the modern-day issues of sustainable development and peace, in relation to science? A speech.
Is the War in Iraq Justified Under International Law?
“All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
Building Respect for the Sheriff
Even in pursuit of the most laudable purposes, the use of military force exacerbates rather than transforms conflict, and perpetuates the cycle of violence and injustice. This is true in compelling cases as well, such as efforts to thwart gross violations of human rights, or for other humanitarian purposes.
Against the war on women: V-day in the Congo
Remarks by Stephen Lewis,
Co-Director of AIDS-Free World, delivered at the 10th Annual V-Day
Celebrations, New Orleans, LA 4:00 pm CDT, Saturday, April 12, 2008.