Thursday, September 2, 2021, 14:00-15:00 GMT +3
Hosted by: The Initiative for the International Summer School
The Initiative for the International Summer School “Current Legal Issues in Post-Conflict and Transitional Societies” is a non-profit network of academics and human rights lawyers. It is not supported by any political group nor governments.
Dr. Bojan Gavrilovic
Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights
Civil Society Organizations as a driving force promoting Justice for Atrocity Crimes in Iraq
Since 2003, Iraq has suffered internecine conflict and state collapse, degrading a once rich cradle of ancient ethno-religions and cultures. During the ISIL conflict in Iraq ethno-religious communities including Christians, Yazidis, Sabean-Mandaeans, Turkmen, Kaka’i, and Shabaks were particularly targeted. ISIL waged a genocidal campaign against these minorities across the Sinjar region and the Nineveh plains seeking to erase their presence in Iraq altogether. State obligation to ensure access to justice and reparations for gross human rights violations is well established under international law (ICL; IHRL). However, translating this obligation into an enforceable right, especially in the wake of mass atrocities, is anything but easy. This challenge will be illustrated on the case of post-ISIL Iraq where advances have been made but many obstacles to effective implementation remain. The case of Syria will be also highlighted. Furthermore, it will be discussed how civil society can influence the decision makers and align the justice agenda with survivors needs.
Watch the webinar: Program – Current Legal Issues in Post-Conflict and Transitional Societies (cliss.org)
