Seeking Justice in Post Conflict States: Any Answers or Just More Questions?

Abstract

This article will discuss the international legal mechanisms used and established to assist post conflict countries in transitional periods. The idea of 'justice' and its relationship with truth and reconciliation in post conflict nation states will be analysed. It will also discuss the methods in which justice is delivered in post conflict nation states. The focus of this article will be upon concepts of transitional justice, justice delivered by 'a rule of law', by international law application and by methods such as truth commissions. The issue of how justice is effected, or delivered, is becoming increasingly important as conflict, war, genocide, demolition of existing social and institutional structures, are increasing in frequency and intensity. However, after the conflict the question remains, how do states rebuild themselves in the pursuit of truth and justice?