The role of NGOs in the domestic implementation of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy Framework: perspectives from Uganda

Article


Kirabira, T. 2021. The role of NGOs in the domestic implementation of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy Framework: perspectives from Uganda. African Human Rights Yearbook. 22 (5), pp. 180-201. https://doi.org/10.29053/2523-1367/2021/v5a9
AuthorsKirabira, T.
Abstract

This article explores the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the domestic implementation of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP). It uses Uganda as a prism through which to examine the implementation of two key constitutive elements of the AUTJP: criminal prosecutions and traditional justice. Besides reflections based on the author’s experience in Uganda, the analysis rests on an extensive study and review of literature and qualitative interviews. The article argues that NGOs have the potential to sequence the constitutive TJ elements of the AUTJP, where there are competing narratives of peace versus justice. While local NGOs are pivotal in fostering local ownership of TJ, the findings reveal the critical role of NGO networks in the domestic implementation of TJ. The article concludes that there is a compelling case to be made for the continued involvement of NGOs in the domestic implementation of TJ.

Keywordstransitional justice; African Union Transitional Justice Policy; International Criminal Court; Uganda; non-governmental organisations; legitimacy
JournalAfrican Human Rights Yearbook
Journal citation22 (5), pp. 180-201
ISSN2523-1367
2663-323X
Year2021
PublisherPretoria University Law Press
Publisher's version
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Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.29053/2523-1367/2021/v5a9
Publication dates
Print01 Dec 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited26 Feb 2024
Copyright holder© 2021, The Author
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