Factsheet – EEAS Mediation Support Project – Knowledge Product Transitional Justice in the context of Peace Mediation

Mediation efforts often take place in contexts where the conflicting parties have violated international human rights or humanitarian law and where justice issues arise. Transitional justice is a multidimensional long-term undertaking, defined by the EU Council document ‘Transitional Justice and the ESDP’ as “a framework for confronting past abuse as a component of a major political transformation – from war to peace or from authoritarian rule to democracy” (Council of the EU, 2006). This undertaking may consist of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms focusing on accountability for past abuses as well as the establishment of a sustainable, just and peaceful future. The EU is strongly committed to the principles of international justice, human rights and humanitarian law, the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as to long-term peace building. The EU’s Concept Note on Mediation and Dialogue notes that the EU’s various activities with regards to mediation and should be sensitive to transitional justice and human rights issues. The following two interlinked and complementary issues are particularly relevant for EU mediation and dialogue in the context of advancing transitional justice.