HUMANITARIAN LAW AND ASEAN: ANALYZING REGIONAL COMMITMENT AND HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE MECHANISMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

The Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) has made a great contribution to transitional justice in general, and in countries moving from violent conflict. Established in 2002, its principal mandate was the prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious violations committed during the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002). This hybrid tribunal, a combination of international and domestic law, focused on individuals in positions of senior authority who orchestrated or were deeply involved in crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the SCSL’s structure, jurisdiction, and procedural dynamics, examining its interactions with both international and local institutions. It investigates how the court engaged with national governments and regional organizations to ensure accountability and justice. The study also considers the SCSL’s critical efforts in addressing gender-based violence, a pervasive issue during the conflict, and its approach to incorporating the voices of survivors and affected communities through outreach programs. Furthermore, the article examines the SCSL’s impact on strengthening local and regional legal structures in Sierra Leone and the broader West African context, ensuring a lasting legacy for justice after conflict. Through qualitative research and analysis of both primary and secondary data sources, the article offers valuable insights for future international justice initiatives, highlighting the importance of hybrid tribunals in post-conflict reconstruction and justice (Schabas, 2006; Human Rights Watch World Report 2003 - Sierra Leone | Refworld, n.d.).