Download This PaperLawyering Peace: Infusing Accountability into the Peace Negotiations Process
22 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2020 Last revised: 15 Jun 2020
Date Written: 2020
Abstract
On August 28, 2019, Dr. Paul R. Williams delivered the Bruce J. Klatsky Endowed Lecture on Human Rights at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. This article, based on his lecture, examines how justice has repeatedly found a foothold in peace processes, and how the international community can continue to work towards embedding accountability into peace processes to achieve durable peace. This article traces the arc of accountability in peace processes, from an era of impunity and a period of stepping stones moments, to today’s uncertain moment for post-conflict accountability and justice mechanisms. The author argues that comprehensive transitional justice — as hard as it is to achieve — cannot be forgotten, and that it is incumbent on peace negotiators to carve out space for accountability and justice.
Keywords: justice, peacebuilding, human rights, peace negotiations, peace process, war crimes, human rights law, transitional justice, accountability, lawyering peace
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