During periods of authoritarian rule and conflict, mass human rights violations are often committed, with the truth hidden—even manipulated. After a transition to democracy, many perpetrators are often protected by entrenched impunity, leaving victims and survivors unheard and unprotected.
The transitional justice framework is a tool that can assist in developing and implementing effective strategies to deal with a history of mass violations. It is often divided into four major elements: seeking the truth, prosecuting those responsible, helping to repair the lives and dignity of victims (reparations), and providing guarantees of non-repetition (or institutional reform).
Learn about the transitional justice mechanisms and tools, here.