The potential of transitional justice, as a strategic policy tool to help build just and inclusive futures in fractured societies that are grappling with legacies of conflict and/or large-scale human rights violations and abuses, is often underutilized by States and other stakeholders. Offering a comprehensive framework for analysis and coordinated action to address widening and harmful justice gaps, transitional justice can be a catalyst for change for societies at large, in addition to being a critical modality of redress for victims.

The present report is submitted at the request of the Security Council (see S/PRST/2010/11) to take stock of progress made in implementing the recommendations contained in the 2004 report of the Secretary-General on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies (S/2004/616), and to consider in this context further steps to promote the rule of law.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has long been committed to promoting work on reparations for victims of human rights violations.

This brief is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in peace processes that aim to end violent intra- state conflict.

The key target audience is women, gender equality advocates and others engaged in peace processes, who wish to influence negotiations with a view to: (a) addressing the particular experiences of women dur- ing conflict, and (b) achieving lasting peace process outcomes that will improve women’s lives and the lives of those around them.