A/HRC/12/18
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society to adequately represent its views during the peace process. For example, OHCHR
Uganda provided funding and technical assistance to civil society organizations in northern
Uganda for the publication of a position paper during the Juba peace talks. OHCHR Uganda has
also supported the development of civil society networks, which engage the Government and the
public in discussions on transitional justice.
(b)
Asia and the Pacific
48. OHCHR Nepal plays a key role in supporting victim participation in transitional justice
dialogues in Nepal, organizing preparatory meetings on transitional justice issues, sharing
information on comparative experiences and developing community education materials.
OHCHR Nepal notes that the development of victim-oriented tools can significantly empower
conflict-affected communities to participate in transitional justice activities. OHCHR Nepal also
recognizes the marginalization of certain groups during transitional justice discussions and has
worked to enhance their involvement. For example, OHCHR Nepal has facilitated greater
engagement by women’s groups by supporting a transitional justice and gender coordination
group to share information and advocacy strategies.
49. HRTJS UNMIT participated in the Support Working Group of the National Consensus
Dialogue process in Timor-Leste initiated by the Office of the President and Norwegian Bishop
Gunnar Stålsett. At a dialogue held in June 2009, representatives from all political parties agreed
to table the report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in Parliament
during 2009 and to consider the report’s recommendations. HRTJS and the Serious Crimes
Investigations Team also work with civil society and the Office of the Provedor for Human
Rights and Justice to support victims’ associations in the lead-up to the National Congress of
Victims’ Groups to be held in Dili in September 2009.
(c)
Europe
50. A number of transitional justice approaches have been utilized in Kosovo since the
introduction of the international administration under the United Nations Interim Administration
Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in 1999. OHCHR Kosovo has been advocating for the
development of a comprehensive framework to ensure that the full range of transitional justice
approaches are being considered. OHCHR Kosovo has also been raising awareness about
transitional justice processes and encouraging space for discussion of regional initiatives such as
the initiative for establishing a regional commission for truth-seeking and truth-telling about war
crimes.
D. Lessons learned and best practices
1. Justice and peace
51. OHCHR has been involved in complex discussions articulating the relationship between
justice and peace. In the past, the dilemma presented was between securing peace with the
cooperation of perpetrators of international crimes or addressing justice at the cost of
perpetuating conflict. In recent years, however, this assumed tension between justice and peace
has gradually dissolved. The United Nations now recognizes that, when properly pursued, justice
and peace can promote and sustain one another.
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