Justice and Reconciliation

Abstract

To date, international assistance in the justice arena has focused too narrowly on reestablishing a functioning police force to maintain public safety. This task is indeed critical, but the international community must take a much more comprehensive approach to justice and reconciliation for the intervention to succeed. Specifically, this pillar of postconflict reconstruction should include six key elements: (1) law enforcement instruments that are effective and respectful of human rights; (2) an impartial, open, and accountable judicial system; (3) a fair constitution and body of law; (4) mechanisms for monitoring and upholding human rights; (5) a humane corrections system; and (6) formal and informal reconciliation mechanisms for dealing with past abuses and resolving grievances arising from conflict.