Transitional justice is generally promoted on the basis that it ensures that the diverse sectors of society affected by conflict are included in the process of rebuilding societies after conflict and authoritarian rule. Inclusion, diversity, victim-centeredness, broad consultations, community voices, and participatory engagement have become key phrases that characterize the normative frameworks that guide national policy developments. The United Nations guidelines, the European Union policy framework, the International Criminal Court’s Trust Fund for Victims, and now the African Union Transitional Justice Policy all seek to give more substance to these concepts. This policy brief outlines policy and practice on diversity and inclusion in transitional justice on the African continent, and explores how these principles can be given more substance.
