Current issues and future challenges in transitional justice

Abstract

This chapter reflects upon the current status and the potential for the field of transitional justice, its theoretical aspects and practical application, to respond to the new and emerging challenges and threats of global significance. We propose a new understanding and approach to transitional justice, which is more responsive to the different types of transitions and conflicts by prescribing varied forms of justice through the different processes and mechanisms, formal and customary. Despite recognising the dangers and disadVan tages of over-expanding the field, in order to accommodate the changing needs and experiences of the notion of transitional justice globally there is a necessity to open up new dimensions for exponential development of the field. We conclude with an observation that the notion and concept of transitional justice will continue to change and evolve as the needs of global society for achieving justice develop along new lines of conflicts and future global challenges.