Source: (2012) European Journal of Criminology 9(5) 553-564
Debates about serious human rights violations and international crimes committed in the past
appear during times of political transition. New political elites are confronted with fundamental
questions of how to seek truth, establish accountability for offenders, provide reparation to
victims, promote reconciliation, deal with trauma and build trust. ‘Transitional’ or ‘postconflict
justice’ is most often managed by elites, national and international, while the views and
expectations of the local populations are rarely taken into account. Population-based research
can yield deep insights into strategies and mechanisms for dealing with the crimes of the past. This
paper reports on the major findings of a study in Bosnia and on the factors that may contribute
to trust and reconciliation in the country.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now