Where Law Meets Reality

This book is unique in exploring from an African perspective the dilemmas and complexities involved in addressing past human rights violations to enable a society move to a more peaceful future. While challenging current transitional justice narratives, which have inadequately addressed the concerns of post-conflict societies in Africa, it also emphasises the need to avoid representing African issues as 'exotic' and 'exceptional'. The authors consider the core debates about how to develop a transitional justice agenda and assess the potential of localised justice models to contribute to justice systems. They show the importance of pursuing locally forged processes that take account of the dynamic and complex challenges of post-conflict societies in Africa and of involving stakeholders in developing policies and practices that affect them. This important new publication also addresses frankly the tension between justice, peace and reconciliation and deepens comprehension of the ever-changing boundaries of transitional justice.