Arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence are being used as weapons of war and oppression in many countries around the world. Civilians who oppose authoritarian regimes are subjected to gross human rights violations perpetrated by authoritarian governments determined to break individual, social, and political opposition to their oppressive regimes. Existing justice systems in these areas are incapable or willing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Empowering survivors of human rights violations to hold perpetrators accountable and ensuring they can access the support services they need to heal from their experiences and fully participate in society.
Elevating the voices of women to lead transitional justice processes. Peace, democracy, and reconciliation cannot be achieved unless women’s experiences, leadership, and wisdom are fully incorporated in transitional justice efforts.
Equipping justice actors to be survivor-centric, trauma-informed, and capable of reliably convicting perpetrators and protecting the rights and mental health of survivors.
Jonathan Hargreaves,
Former UK Special Representative for Syria