The Role of Judicial Institutions in the Restoration of Post-Conflict Societies: The Cases of Rwanda and Sierra Leone

Abstract:     
This article examines the contributions of international judicial institutions to the restoration of two post-conflict societies (Rwanda and Sierra Leone). The destruction of the legal and socio-political structures of a society is a typical consequence of armed conflicts. Ultimately, it is essential to restore the system and structures in order to sustain the nascent peace at the end of such conflict. The paper examines the contribution of the ad hoc tribunals to the security, legal systems and administration of Rwanda and Sierra Leone. It argues that the two tribunals have the legal and physical capability to supplement efforts of the international community to sustain the stability of the two post-conflict societies. It also establishes that the two ad hoc tribunals in Africa make the case for the positive role of international criminal tribunals in the restoration of post-conflict societies.

Keywords: ICTR, Peace, Reconciliation, SCSL

Accepted Paper Series