Pablo de Greiff, director of Research at ICTJ, has presented his candidacy for the role of Special Rapporteur for the Promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence.
As transitional justice language and approaches have been broadly adopted over the last decade, de Greiff continues to guide the field in considering the ways in which the four main transitional justice measures (criminal justice, truth, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence) can maintain their integrity while also responding the unfolding world events. His research has explored the linkages between these different measures to ensure the implementation of each supports the aims of the whole.
This new special rapporteur position is being established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to bring greater attention to accountability for serious crimes and human rights violations. Its mandate includes advising on possible assistance, as well as reporting on country situations, normative frameworks, and national practices related to mechanisms addressing gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
In addition, the special rapporteur will make recommendations on strategies to address serious crimes and human rights breaches. The resolution establishing this mandate calls for a victim-centered approach and a gender perspective to be integrated throughout the work of the mandate.
ICTJ is pleased to see de Greiff is joined in the field of applicants by a number of strong, qualified individuals. We believe this important mandate will require deep knowledge of each of the elements of the post, as well as practical experience with national and international efforts on all subjects under the mandate. Additionally, the first special rapporteur on transitional justice will help shape the position, providing concrete definition to the mandate and offering guidance on engaging in specific contexts. Above all, the UNHRC's new mandate strengthens issues important to all of us in the rapidly developing field of transitional justice.
