- Democracy & Governance
- Economic Recovery
- Justice & Rule of Law
- Psycho-social Recovery
- Security & Public Order
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Introduction
Last Updated: December 29, 2008
This section provides an in-depth overview of justice and rule of law issues in post-conflict peacebuilding contexts. In broad terms, this section examines the fundamental war-to-peace transformation: from the "rule of the gun" to the "rule of law" and the development of political, legal, and socio-economic structures and institutions that provide justice.
The first part addresses definitions and conceptual issues related to the notions of justice and rule of law. The second part examines the linkage between the rule of law and peacebuilding, as well as the ascendance of rule of law assistance in peacebuilding contexts. The third part briefly presents the five sub-sections of the Justice and Rule of Law thematic area:
- Judicial and Legal Reform/(Re)construction;
- Access to Justice;
- Human Rights Promotion and Protection;
- Transitional Justice;
- Traditional & Informal Justice System.
It also provides further explanation as to why these sub-topics were chosen, and the limitations of the section. The last part briefly presents two overarching debates on justice and rule of law that are elaborated upon in the sub-topics: the peace versus justice debate and the debate about global and local approaches. It also offers a brief overview of the main challenges facing this field.
