Het langetermijneffect van herstelrecht in overgangssituaties

The core of this research lies at the intersection of restorative and transitional justice. As such, it raises the questions: What exactly is restorative justice, and what does it actually mean in transitional settings? While these questions could be approached from a purely theoretical angle, this study additionally addresses more praxis-oriented issues related to the intersection of restorative and transitional justice: how are restorative justice mechanisms actually implemented in transitional settings, and what do they effectively mean to those involved, both on the side of those who design these mechanisms and of their intended beneficiaries? Moreover, this research focuses on how these restorative justice mechanisms impact the intergenerational transmission of memories ('longue durée'). Next to the analysis of legislation, regulations, and official reports, the study also includes a chapter that is based on empirical fieldwork in Rwanda. It tries to document how, thirty years after the atrocities that resulted in the putting into place of restorative justice measures, memories are being transmitted to younger generations. Based on the empirical study, an analysis grid has been drawn up that brings together multiple variables and continua. The aim is to stimulate further research that uses specific questions to map out the various responses to past crimes as accurately as possible and to indicate the extent to which those responses can be linked to restorative justice mechanisms.