Briefing Paper

Forced Migration: A Transitional Justice Issue

Transitional justice provides holistic and inclusive strategies for addressing human rights violations that arise from violent conflicts and authoritarian rule. Forced displacement is a common consequence of such conflicts— and addressing the rights of forced migrants is a critical priority in post-conflict settings. Yet, this victim group and the specific needs they experience have not been effectively integrated into transitional justice processes. Given the regional and international impact of forced migration and the potential role of this sector in preventing future conflict, transitional justice initiatives have started to acknowledge these concerns. This research brief presents recommendations for integrating forced migration and its victims into transitional justice processes. Based on research conducted in partnership with forced migrant communities in The Gambia, Sudan, Syria, and Bangladesh/Myanmar, the recommendations provide guidance for national and international policy makers and civil society actors working at the nexus of transition and migration.