February 14, 2020

Anna Murray 

Most recently world leaders, ambassadors and prominent members to the UN were delivering their speeches at the Security Council Open Debate on Peace building and Sustaining Peace: Transitional Justice in Conflict and Post-conflict Situations.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, spoke to the Security Council on February 13 via teleconference from Geneva. Bachelet acknowledged transitional justice serving countries to move forward after conflict or mass atrocities while suffering ought to be reconciled and justice served.

A well-organized statement was delivered by Robert Mardini, Permanent Observer to the United Nations and Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) New York. To improve transitional justice mechanisms, Mardini had 3 recommendations, including objective on the clarification of the fate of missing persons and the support to families, answer and support provided to all families looking for a missing relative, no impunity for war crimes under International Humanitarian Law to investigate and prosecute suspects of alleged war crimes. In addition, Mardini guaranteed the ICRC would provide expert advice and support States, UN missions and transitional justice mechanisms on ways to transitional justice processes.

Transitional justice is commonly recognized to create a space for truth, accountability, and reconciliation and helps to break the cycles of violence and atrocities. During the ongoing Security Council Open Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Transitional Justice in Conflict and Post-conflict Situations, subsequent recommendations and supports from other world prominent leaders will be brought out to the world’s attention.

Photo:Webshot.