International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)

International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) ICTJ works to redress and prevent the most severe violations of human rights by confronting legacies of mass abuse.

🏆 We have been presented with an award!The Center for Common Memory for Democracy and Peace (CCMDP) recently awarded its...
09/16/2026

🏆 We have been presented with an award!

The Center for Common Memory for Democracy and Peace (CCMDP) recently awarded its 2026 International Prize “Memory for Democracy and Peace” to the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), recognizing its twenty-five-year journey in supporting societies confronting the legacy of gross human rights violations.

As we continue to commemorate the International Day of Democracy, the ICTJ expresses its pride and gratitude for this valuable distinction and reaffirms its commitment to the shared values of justice, defense of human rights, democracy and peace.

  | As Sudan’s devastating conflict enters its fourth year, the priorities of victims and Sudanese civilians must be cen...
09/16/2026

| As Sudan’s devastating conflict enters its fourth year, the priorities of victims and Sudanese civilians must be central to efforts to end the violence and build sustainable peace.

Against this backdrop, the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the Government of the Netherlands are convening a policy roundtable today, September 16, in The Hague, on advancing victim-centered justice for durable peace in .

Ilaria Martorelli, head of ICTJ’s Sudan Program, stressed that “the first priority should be Sudanese civilian preparedness. This means investing in sustained training and strategic dialogue among victims and civil society across Sudan and the diaspora. This work should help develop shared Sudanese positions on transitional justice. That is why this work must begin now, even amid the conflict. So that when a political opening will emerge, they will be ready.”

Learn more about why this roundtable is a crucial opportunity by clicking on the link below:
👇
https://tinyurl.com/y7bxt58x

09/02/2026

| With the participation of the National Commission for Missing Persons and the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations hosted an event and gathering in New York with women who have dedicated more than a decade of their time and efforts to searching for their missing loved ones and demanding answers about their fate.

The gathering provided an opportunity to highlight these women’s experiences and recognize their sustained efforts to search for missing persons and advocate for their families’ right to know the truth.

How do Syrians envision transitional justice? What priorities do they consider essential to advancing accountability, es...
09/02/2026

How do Syrians envision transitional justice? What priorities do they consider essential to advancing accountability, establishing the truth, and providing reparations?

These questions were at the heart of a community dialogue held in Hama by Lawyers and Doctors for Human Rights (LDHR), in partnership with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). The dialogue brought together members of the local community in a safe and inclusive space to share perspectives and experiences, and to discuss the priorities, expectations, and challenges shaping Syria’s transitional justice process.

The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that local communities have a meaningful role in shaping a shared vision for justice in , and that transitional justice mechanisms are informed by the experiences and needs of those most affected by violations.

The dialogue forms part of a broader series of community consultations organized by LDHR across different parts of Syria. These consultations reflect the understanding that transitional justice must be rooted in the voices and experiences of Syrians themselves, and that meaningful participation is essential to developing processes that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive—while ensuring that the rights and needs of survivors, victims, and their families remain at the center of the process.

Transitional Justice:  ’s Ombudsman Receives ICTJ DelegationOn Monday, August 31, 2026, the Ombudsman of the Republic of...
09/02/2026

Transitional Justice: ’s Ombudsman Receives ICTJ Delegation

On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Chad, Ambassador Saleh Kebzabo, received a delegation from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), led by Head of Mission Didier Gbery.

The visit marked ICTJ’s second mission to Chad, following an initial visit in June 2026. The delegation is engaging with key stakeholders to better understand the needs and challenges surrounding Chad’s transitional justice process, while sharing experiences and lessons learned.

Discussions with the Ombudsman focused on ICTJ’s potential contribution to the process already underway through the Ombudsman’s Office, particularly in support of the National Strategy for Reconciliation and Peacebuilding (SNRCP).

The delegation explained that this phase of consultations and assessment will help identify ways to provide technical support to stakeholders and strengthen the implementation of the SNRCP.

The Ombudsman welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to working with ICTJ as the process moves forward. The delegation also announced plans to return and present the findings of its mission after completing its field visits.

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday adopted a Syrian-sponsored resolution designating December 19 as the Inter...
09/01/2026

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday adopted a Syrian-sponsored resolution designating December 19 as the International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons. The resolution aims to highlight women searching for missing family members and recognize the risks and consequences they face in their search—an issue of particular significance in Syria after years of war, detention, enforced disappearances, and displacement.

ICTJ Senior Expert Elena Naughton described the moment as both emotional and inspiring, highlighting the recognition of women who have spent years searching for their missing loved ones and advocating for truth and justice:

“It was an emotional moment for the families of the missing from Syria in attendance at today’s vote, part celebratory, part tearful. And so inspiring to see them recognized after years of dedicated efforts, as searchers and advocates, alongside the many other women searchers worldwide who have fought and continue to fight selflessly and at great personal risk for their loved ones and for truth and justice for the missing and forcibly disappeared.”

Naughton added that the resolution should serve as both a recognition of these women’s achievements and a call to ensure they receive greater protection and support:

“This resolution is a much-needed reminder of all that has been achieved by women working alone and together worldwide to fight for truth and justice for the missing and forcibly disappeared. Across decades and continents, they have led the search; they have organized; they have effectuated reform. This resolution is also an essential call to action for all that needs to be done in the future to ensure that the women who lead the search are protected and supported at the national and international level.”

Today, the UN General Assembly is expected to consider a landmark resolution: the "International Day for the Recognition...
08/31/2026

Today, the UN General Assembly is expected to consider a landmark resolution: the "International Day for the Recognition of Women Searching for Missing Persons", introduced by the Syrian Arab Republic.

To mark the occasion, the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic to the UN, the National Commission for Missing Persons, and ICTJ are convening women searching for missing relatives — from Syria and beyond — to share their stories, challenges, and hopes in their own words.

In Geneva last year, ICTJ pledged to strengthen women searchers’ capacity to advocate for truth, and to press for support that reflects the toll disappearance takes on women. This gathering carries that pledge forward.

Because behind every search for a missing person is a woman who refuses to stop looking.

On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, we remember those who remain missing in  , and the ...
08/30/2026

On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, we remember those who remain missing in , and the families who continue to live with uncertainty.

Their stories cannot be forgotten. Their right to truth and justice cannot be postponed.

The search for the missing must be part of the path toward peace in Sudan.

08/28/2026

⚖️ On August 30, we commemorate the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. ICTJ maintains its steadfast commitment to the victims and families who are still searching for their loved ones and demanding answers.

In the words of ICTJ's Executive Director Fernando TravesĂ­-Sanz, "we pledge to continue working for and with everyone around the world who has lived the anguish and trauma of losing a loved one to the unknown."

"Once the National Dialogue is complete, transitional justice will be operationalized. We are committed as one stakehold...
08/19/2026

"Once the National Dialogue is complete, transitional justice will be operationalized. We are committed as one stakeholder – the Government." — H.E. Mr. Belayhun Yirga Kifile, State Minister of Justice of .

Speaking to over 100 civil society leaders, victims' associations, and international partners at the DIMTS national convening in Addis Ababa, State Minister Belayhun announced that the Government of Ethiopia has officially commenced preparatory work to implement the National Transitional Justice Policy. Recognizing the vital role of grassroots partners, he noted that the evidence and frameworks generated through the DIMTS project have laid crucial foundations that will directly inform draft laws and upcoming institutions.

This high-level commitment was matched by key partners during the two-day gathering. Anna Lixi of the European Union Delegation reaffirmed continued EU support for Ethiopia’s process, emphasizing mental health and psychosocial support as essential components of victim rights. ICTJ Ethiopia Lead Samrawit Tassew and civil society delegates underscored that while this project phase is closing, the collaborative momentum behind victim-centered justice is moving forward with strong national and institutional backing.

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