Victim organisations and the politics of reparation

Reparation for victims of gross and systematic human rights violations is a contemporary issue gaining increased attention in both national and international po... » 

Reparation for victims of gross and systematic human rights violations is a contemporary issue gaining increased attention in both national and international politics. Postconflict societies have to face the legacies of the dark past and dealing with a large group of victims is one of them. Transitional justice mechanisms trying to cope with the past should not overlook the issue of reparation. This research demonstrates how reparation for victims of gross and systematic human rights violations differs from reparation for isolated violations. The Rwandan case study unveils the role of victim organisations in and the competition and politicisation of the reparation debate. Although reparation for victims is a crucial element in transitional justice it becomes clear that the way in which the reparation debate unfolds does not necessarily contribute to the peaceful future of a postconflict society. This study argues that remedying the process and debate of the search for reparation will lead to an improved and more constructive reparation policy.nbsp «