Accommodating Social Justice into Transitional Justice Mechanisms. The Case of Northern Uganda Cover Image

Accommodating Social Justice into Transitional Justice Mechanisms. The Case of Northern Uganda
Accommodating Social Justice into Transitional Justice Mechanisms. The Case of Northern Uganda

Author(s): Andreea Cristina Nowak
Subject(s): Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Law and Transitional Justice, Civil Society, Social development, Sociology of Law, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Udruženje “Pravnik”
Keywords: Social justice; transitional justice; human rights; victims; reconciliation; transitional regime;

Summary/Abstract: This article advances the idea that post-conflict societies encounter a twofold challenge in the transitional context; the first challenge is the past – how to heal the wounds, whilst the second challenge is to look forward and provide solutions for a sustainable future, where human rights are promoted and respected. I argue that the complex legal, political, economic and social situation in northern Uganda requires the reconciliation between past, present and future, by merging transitional justice (pastoriented) with economic and social justice (future-oriented), so as to meet the victims‘ needs and in the same time secure a stable transitional regime. The first section of the article will deal with the interplay between conflict and poverty in Uganda and the governmental measures taken in this regard. The following two sections will briefly examine the various transitional justice mechanisms employed here as well as the unfortunate situation relating to socio-economic rights. Based on the arguments advanced in the previous sections, the final part outlines some measures to accommodate economic and social rights within transitional justice mechanisms, suggesting that the later must be part of a broader set of policies for socioeconomic development and reconciliation.

  • Issue Year: 1/2010
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 107-119
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English