National Human Rights Institutions in post-conflict situations: mandates, experiences and challenges

Abstract

How do National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) address the negative human rights impacts of dictatorial regimes and violent conflict, and thus successfully contribute to transitional justice? This is the focus of this study, which presents examples from the experiences of the NHRIs in Afghanistan, Georgia and Uganda. The provision of justice for past and present violations of human rights should reduce impunity. Addressing the issue of transitional justice facilitates peace processes, but requires strong state institutions and the political will to act. When justice for past and present abuses is denied, conflicts linger on. "Peace-versus-justice" is a false dichotomy, and one that the international community has rightly left behind. The study shows how three NHRIs have interacted with transitional justice aims and processes and draws lessons from what the NHRIs have learned while doing so.