92 results

Using Narrative in Societies Dealing with Massive Human Rights Violations

Civil society actors involved in transitional justice processes use narrative communication in strategic and agile ways. This work is vitally important, and yet it does not receive the attention and support it should.

11/10/26

by Briony Jones and Aoiffe Corcoran

Two women stand back to back outdoors on a green lawn. A red balloon is held in place by their backs.
In Focus

Building Bridges for a More Just Future: ICTJ at 25

Long before ICTJ existed, societies everywhere wrestled with the justice-related dilemmas caused by violent conflict, and victims, communities, and courageous leaders found answers of their own. What was missing was a place where people who took part in those different experiences could meet, share knowledge and lessons, and build a community to respond together to the evolving challenges to justice and peace. In 2001, ICTJ was created to be that place and to catalyze a collective effort to address massive human rights violations and build a peaceful, inclusive, and just future.

11/04/26

by

Fernando Travesí-Sanz

Hands belonging to people seated around the table build a model bridge using small rectangular blocks of wood
Opinion

Artists and Justice Leaders Explore Creative Avenues for Truth, Justice, and Societal Transformation

At an ICTJ-organized symposium in Istanbul, artists, civil society leaders, journalists, academics, and transitional justice practitioners from around the world discussed the ways art can serve as a catalyst for change in societies emerging from conflict or repression as well as explored local non-state-led approaches to truth seeking and truth telling.

09/23/26
People sit along one side of a long table and look at a screen with the slide of a presentation
In Focus

ICTJ Celebrates 25 Years of Advancing Justice at the Annual January for Justice Leaders Event

On January 28, 2026, ICTJ held its annual January for Justice Leaders benefit dinner in New York City, an event celebrating leaders advancing justice around the world. This edition also marked the beginning of ICTJ’s 25th anniversary year and served as an opportunity to look back on a quarter century spent standing alongside victims, civil society, and institutions in the pursuit of truth, accountability, and lasting peace after mass atrocities.

02/19/26
Three women sit on chairs facing a room holding microphones
In Focus

The Expert’s Choice 2025 Year in Review

Throughout 2025, ICTJ’s experts offered thoughtful analysis on conflicts and major political developments in more than 10 countries as part of the World Report newsletter. Their insightful commentaries shed light on the obstacles that victims, civil society, and their partners must navigate as they pursue sustainable peace and justice. In this edition, we look back on the past year through the Expert’s Choice column.

01/06/26
Collage of feature images from Experts Choice pieces in 2025
Opinion

‘The Search for People’s Well-Being’: Mainstreaming a Psychosocial Approach to Transitional Justice

The field of transitional justice is increasingly recognizing the relevance of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in contexts of massive human rights violations. Despite growing advocacy and awareness at the global policy level, however, the field lacks a systematic approa...

by

Virginie Ladisch and Shayna Lewis

an image of colorful painting featuring a young girl
Report

At an Interactive Exhibit, Colombians Reflect on Their Country’s Painful Past and New Possibilities for Its Future

On February 13, 2024, the interactive cultural exhibit “If There Is Truth, There Is Future” opened to the public at Bogotá’s Center for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation. As part of the Colombian Truth Commission’s post-closure cultural and educational outreach activities, the exhibit aims to inform Colombians of all generations about the commission’s findings and inspire them to take action to prevent a recurrence of conflict.

04/05/24
Several people walk through a room looking at various displays as part of an exhibition.
In Focus

‘We Must Resist, Persist, and Never Desist’—Colombian and African Civil Society Exchange Local Strategies for Promoting Reparations  

On November 28, 2023, ICTJ organized an international dialogue in Bogotá, Colombia, to share innovative strategies for advancing victims’ rights to redress for human rights abuses and for establishing more victim-centered development policies. The gathering also marked the official launch of ICTJ’s new report—Advancing Victims’ Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities Local Strategies for Achieving Reparation as a Part of Sustainable Development—which presents findings from a two-year comparative study of local efforts in Colombia, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Uganda to advance reparations.

02/15/24
Two women seated indoors look intently ahead of them.
In Focus

2023 Year in Review

Throughout 2023, ICTJ’s experts have offered their unique perspective on breaking news around the globe as part of the World Report. Their insightful commentaries have brought into focus the impact these events have on victims of human right violations as well as larger struggles for peace and justice. In this edition, we look back on the past year through the Expert’s Choice column.

01/05/24
A collage of feature images from the 2023 Expert's Choice commentaries.
Opinion

Advancing Victims’ Rights and Rebuilding Just Communities: Local Strategies for Achieving Reparation as a Part of Sustainable Development

This comparative study examines strategies used by local actors to help operationalize reparations for victims of widespread human rights violations, while highlighting the synergies between these efforts and sustainable development. It is based on the fieldwork of ICTJ and its partne...

A women in colorful African dress holds a megaphone to her mouth
Report