Publications

The report stems from extensive research and consultations that were carried out with victims of armed conflict in Guatemala and Uganda. Both countries have been the focus of international assistance for transitional justice for many years and, as such, they provide a long-term perspective on what has worked and what has not in terms of victim participation. This report is our attempt to recapitulate and explain what “victim-centred” should mean in the specific context of transitional justice. What is meaningful and can lead to change and what is merely ticking the box or promoting a mantra without providing the space for victims to shape their own future?

In a joint letter to the Sudanese transitional government, over 20 civil society organisations urged the government to promptly ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances (ICPPED).

This briefing was prepared by Protection Approaches, Waging Peace and REDRESS ahead of a debate on a Westminster Hall debate on October 15th on the June massacres in Sudan and the UK’s support for Sudan’s democratic transition. Our briefing highlights how at a critical moment in Sudan's transition towards democracy, the risk of violence and atrocities remain high. This presents an important opportunity for the UK to reprise its role as Sudan's "critical friend” to support an inclusive and sustainable transition process for Sudan.

Ahead of the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council, and at a critical juncture for Sudan, 23 civil society organisations have written to the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council to highlight the need for their delegations to support the Council’s ongoing contribution to systemic human rights reforms in the country. As Sudan’s political transition remains fragile, the Council has a responsibility to both support national authorities and actors and maintain the monitoring and public reporting capacity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

This Report Summary outlines the main findings of the report Not Without Us: Strengthening Victim Participation in Transitional Processes in Uganda. Uganda is a country whose complex cycle of conflicts at different stages of its development has created untold suffering for its citizens. The report analyses some of the challenges in translating the promise of victim-centred processes from rhetoric into reality. The report is based on research and activities carried out by REDRESS, Emerging Solutions Africa (ESA) and the Uganda Victims’ Foundation (UVF), between November 2017 and March 2020, under the project: Strengthening Victim Participation in the Fight against Impunity for International Crimes. Activities included victim forums in the areas most affected by the war in Uganda and high-level policy conferences in Kampala and The Hague. The project aimed to support victims of international crimes and the local organisations assisting them to participate meaningfully in local, national, and international transitional justice processes.

This report examines victim participation in transitional justice (TJ) processes in Uganda, a country whose complex cycle of conflicts at different stages of its development has created untold suffering for its citizens. The report analyses some of the challenges in translating the promise of victim-centred processes from rhetoric into reality. The report is based on research and activities carried out by REDRESS, Emerging Solutions Africa (ESA) and the Uganda Victims’ Foundation (UVF), between November 2017 and March 2020, under the project: Strengthening Victim Participation in the Fight against Impunity for International Crimes. Activities included victim forums in the areas most affected by the war in Uganda and high-level policy conferences in Kampala and The Hague. The project aimed to support victims of international crimes and the local organisations assisting them to participate meaningfully in local, national, and international transitional justice processes.

This letter expresses REDRESS' deep concern about the possible transfer out of prison of former Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir, and other former regime members, in light of the COVID-19 health emergency. While REDRESS strongly supports measures to protect detained individuals’ rights to health and personal integrity, Covid-19 must not be a pretext for the unjustified release of those facing charges for serious international crimes. REDRESS calls on the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan to take note of this situation and to encourage the Sudanese authorities to adhere to international standards.

This letter expresses REDRESS' concern about the possibility of the release of individuals suspected and convicted of serious human rights abuses, including torture, in light of the COVID-19 health emergency. The letter discusses the cases of Omar Al-Bashir and Hissène Habré. REDRESS calls upon the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, to take note of these situations and to encourage the Sudanese and Senegalese authorities to adhere to international standards.