The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) assists countries pursuing
accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse. The Center works in societies
emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, as well as in established democracies
where historical injustices or systemic abuse remain unresolved.
In order to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation, government officials and
nongovernmental advocates are likely to consider a variety of transitional justice
approaches including both judicial and nonjudicial responses to human rights crimes. The
ICTJ assists in the development of integrated, comprehensive, and localized approaches
to transitional justice comprising five key elements: prosecuting perpetrators,
documenting and acknowledging violations through nonjudicial means such as truth
commissions, reforming abusive institutions, providing reparations to victims, and
facilitating reconciliation processes.
The Center is committed to building local capacity and generally strengthening the
emerging field of transitional justice, and works closely with organizations and experts
around the world to do so. By working in the field through local languages, the ICTJ
provides comparative information, legal and policy analysis, documentation, and strategic
research to justice and truth-seeking institutions, nongovernmental organizations,
governments and others.
The core principles of the ICTJ are reflected in the following five operational guidelines:
Prioritize the interests and perspectives of victims and survivors. The Center will always assess and respect the interests of victims, often working closely with victim organizations and human rights advocacy groups.
Promote compliance with international obligations. The Center will promote understanding and acceptance of the obligations of states in responding to rights violations, especially those established in international law.
Shape policy and advice based on a rigorous analysis of the national and international context and circumstances. The Center will undertake each assignment with a focused assessment of local conditions and relevant international circumstances, rather than approaching its work with prior blueprints or rigid guidelines that pre-determine options.
Promote local involvement and empowerment. The Center will prioritize the training and empowerment of local actors so that skills and expertise are transferred to nationals. The Center will always involve local actors in policy development so that initiatives are shaped and ultimately decided by nationals.
Support and facilitate the work of organizations and individuals in the transitional justice field. The Center will aim to facilitate com-munication, networking, and collaboration among those working in the transitional justice field.
The ICTJ gratefully acknowledges the support of our donors. Click here for more information.
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Map to New York Office