Rule of Law, Security, and Transitional Justice in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Nascent Democracies

Most nations have a history of violent conflicts, repression and human rights violations. What matters is how societies address these issues. Nations that successfully overcome such legacies use a combination of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms such as truth-seeking, prosecution initiatives, reparations, and measures to prevent future violations.

These measures often involve constitutional, legal, and institutional reforms, strengthening civil society, memorialisation efforts, cultural initiatives, preservation of archives, and reform of history education.

To what extent have successive Nigerian governments genuinely worked to build a nation, recognise victims, enhance public trust in state institutions and diverse communities, reinforce respect for human rights, and promote the rule of law as steps toward reconciliation and preventing future violations?
What are the challenges involved in implementing transitional justice?

How do these processes relate to efforts to promote the rule of law and reform the security sector in fragile states? Why might security forces resist accountability processes, and what incentives can the government and its partners develop to improve accountability processes?

Join Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who is a Professor of Practice in International Human Rights Law at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and Patrick O. Okigbo III, the founding partner of Nextier, to explore these critical questions. Answering these questions could provide valuable insights for Nigeria and other African countries grappling with developmental pathways.

Nextier, a multi-competency advisory firm, uses its Development Discourse to probe for answers to complex development questions.

Join us here:

Patrick O. Okigbo III, in conversation with Prof. Chidi Odinkalu
????: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
????: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (WAT)
???? ????: https://bit.ly/DevDisc_RST