Truth Commissions, Annotated Bibliography Example

Greenawalt. Alexander K.A. Complementarity in Crisis: Uganda, Alternative Justice, and theInternational Criminal Court. Virginia Journal of International law 107(108); 2014, 11 -15.Print

In this article the author questioned applying distinct focused analyses of the Uganda prosecutions as well as considerations pertaining to interpretive dilemmas within the court system, the perceptions of truth commissions in healing conflicts among nations, internationally. For example, efforts of prosecuting Moreno-Ocampo were cited by the writer. The reference pertained to complementarity, which apparently were fueled by mere desire to persecute the innocent for political gain.  In Uganda politics it was clear this prosecutions concept became more intense. Arguments for alternative justice however were used to bring some relief victims caught in this situation. Moreover, these justice petitions had their origins in empathy for LRA denyingKonyand confederates’ involvement in many hideous persecution.

While these truth commissions are being misrepresented the motive of advancing peace and reconciliation along with accountability still exists within the political administrative protocol. The Rwanda government’s attitude was cited. It showed an in-depth interest in pursuing the death penalty against many of the 1994 genocide perpetrators. Ultimately, they were rewarded with less due penalty for themisdemeanor. Importantly, many of them in the vicinity of thousands received almost no penalty for these crimes.

The author lamented that their ultimate punishment was being remanded to informal village proceedings. These proceeding were classified as gacaca trials. Interestingly, in the end in exchange for confession they seasoned criminals received far less sentences for their crimes. Further, it was reported the author contended that was Moreno-Ocampo wasinclined to institute arrest warrants against a few former LRA members who received amnesty through Uganda’sAmnesty Act and had already surrendered. Hence, the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of truth commissions healing conflicts.

Ward, Sara. A. Criminalizing the Victim: Why the Legal Community Must Fight to Ensure that Child Soldier Victims are Not Prosecuted as War Criminals. 25 Geo. J. Legal Ethics 821. 2012. Print

The author’s contention in this article pertains to persecution of children of war criminals in the advocacy of “Truth Commissions” are effective Means of healing conflicts within countries” The author advances that militias’ abductions, threatening, and child abuse episodes are devastating to children who have made no contribution to the world’s dilemmas. If these incidences were not perpetuated these young people would have otherwise made valuable contributions to their communities. Precisely, they would have benefited from duress claims, if petitions were tendered on their behalf. The argument is leniency for children captured,prosecuted as adults. This is appalling to the justice system. A system which is support to protect minors is really prosecuting them for adult crimes.Unfair sentences are imposed upon them as if they committed war crimes when just being captured as soldiers during times of war. They are under 18 years of age, the writer argues, and do not need to be punished as adults who are the real perpetuation to war and injustice in the world. As such there need to be some form of reconciliation by governments in bring relief to children in the world suffering under these devastating circumstances.

In concluding her contention the author stressedthat when children soldiers are punished as war criminals, it just reflects howoutdated areAmerican Bar Association Standards and the UN Protocols. If updated they could serve as a real relief to these innocent children solders and those captured as criminals of war.Omar Khadr prosecution was cited as a classic situations of protocolsthatare obsolete. It wasfurther lamented whether this attitude is a deliberate effort ofhighlighting differences in opinions among world leaders concerning post-war treatment of children soldiers.

Shaw Rosalind.Rethinking Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. United States Institute ofPeace Report. 2003. Print

This report focuses on reconciliation and mandatory measures, which ought to be taken in bringing relief to people unjustly treated in their communities due to war hungry nations.   The author submitted salient pieces of data retrieved after researching truth commissions. First, there were inconclusive decisions concerning the effectiveness of truth commissions related to TRC. This emerged from both urban and rural comminutes sampled. It was also revealed that the successful participation in a truth commission venture or TRC formation, the interest of community members inclusive of NGO must be garnered.Survivors also play an important role in supplying data fir these commissions and it is crucial to gather their support also.

However, the effectiveness of truth commissions were clarified and validated.Results tendered showed where theycan offer crucial frameworks for debates concerning violence and repression. Stabled national institutions have known to develop from truth commissions, the author contended. The example of Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Report was cited as a feasible framework evolving from this intervention. However, in concluding her findings the author reiterated that in the absence popular support, there ought to be alternative measures in obtaining reports and peace among nations.

Works cited

Greenawalt. Alexander K.A. Complementarity in Crisis: Uganda, Alternative Justice, and the International Criminal Court. Virginia Journal of International law 107(108); 2014, 11 –15 Print

Shaw Rosalind. Rethinking Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. United States Institute of Peace Report. 2003. Print

Ward, Sara. A. Criminalizing the Victim: Why the Legal Community Must Fight to Ensure that Child Soldier Victims are Not Prosecuted as War Criminals. 25 Geo. J. Legal Ethics 821. 2012. Print