This course explores the intersections between transitional justice (TJ), development, and the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCRs) in post-conflict and post-authoritarian contexts. While the field of TJ has traditionally focused on civil and political rights, this course complements that focus by highlighting how TJ processes can address systemic inequality, poverty, dispossession, and structural violence.
Particular attention is given to the voices, agency, and lived experiences of victims and affected communities, examining how they shape demands for truth, accountability, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence. The course interrogates whether victims’ needs for dignity, recognition,
and socioeconomic justice are met in practice, and how development actors and policies can either enable or constrain victim-centred approaches to justice.
The limits and boundaries of a solely victim-centred approach are also critically examined. In this respect, the course debates the functional adequacy of traditional TJ mechanisms in addressing structural violence. Drawing from theory, jurisprudence, and global case studies, students will critically assess whether transitional justice can advance transformative development agendas that promote social justice and sustainable peace. The course also explores the impact of new and emerging technologies on transitional justice, with particular attention to their role in supporting development processes and advancing the realization of ESCRs
A downloadable flyer is available here.
- Analyse the legal framework governing the prosecution of atrocity crimes under international law.
- Critically assess the role and limitations of the International Criminal Court, including its jurisdiction and the principle of complementarity.
- Evaluate the potential and constraints of domestic prosecutions, including those based on universal jurisdiction.
- Examine the legal and practical challenges surrounding immunities and the prosecution of high-level state officials.
- Assess competing models of accountability, including ad hoc and hybrid tribunals, in light of current developments.
Thomas Unger, Director of Policy and Research at Impunity Watch and an independent expert on transitional justice.
He regularly advises international organisations including the UN, EU, Council of Europe and the Swiss Foreign Ministry, and previously served as Senior Adviser to the UN Special Rapporteur on truth, justice and reparation. He has extensive field and legal experience, including roles with the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and the ICTY. He also teaches and lectures on transitional justice, has published widely on the subject, and holds advanced degrees in international law and human rights.
- Monday 17 August, 12:00 to 13.00 – Introduction
- Tuesday 18 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 19 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Thursday 20 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Friday 21 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Monday 24 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Tuesday 25 August, 12:00 to 14:00
- Wednesday 26 August, 12:00 to 14:00
Please send an email to digital.academy@geneva-academy.ch with a CV and a motivation letter letter expressing your interest in the specific course.
Selected applicants will receive a confirmation of acceptance. To secure their place, accepted participants are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 100.
Please note that this course is subject to a minimum of 10 participants. If this minimum is not reached two weeks prior to the start date, this course will not be delivered and all registered participants will receive a full refund of the deposit. Places are limited to 25 participants, and therefore early application is strongly encouraged.
CHF 950.
A discount of CHF 100 is available for students and alumni of the Academy, UNIGE, IHEID, and individuals who have previously participated in our trainings or educational activities.