Guiding Questions

• What happens after the guns fall silent?

• Can justice heal the wounds of war?

• Who should be punished — and who should forgive?

Justice After Conflict: Why It Matters

Ending war is not the same as creating peace.

After violence, societies face hard questions:

• How do we deal with war crimes?

• Can enemies become neighbors again?

• Is justice about punishment — or reconciliation?

Without justice, peace is fragile.

Without truth, history repeats.

Paths to Post-War Justice

There is no single path. Countries choose different approaches:

Criminal Trials

• Nuremberg Trials (post–World War II) punished Nazi leaders for genocide and aggression

• International Criminal Court (ICC) tries individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity

Truth Commissions

• Example: South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission

• Focuses on uncovering facts, hearing victims, and promoting healing — sometimes instead of punishment

Reparations and Restoration

• Payments, apologies, or rebuilding efforts to repair the harm done

• May be symbolic (statues removed, history rewritten) or material (land returned, victims compensated)

Amnesty and Forgiveness

• In some cases, former fighters are forgiven to promote peace — controversial, but sometimes necessary for stability

Philosophical Perspectives

Hannah Arendt

Warned that evil often appears in “banal” ways — not as monsters, but ordinary people following orders. Justice must prevent the normalization of cruelty.

Desmond Tutu

Argued that “without forgiveness, there is no future.” Justice should not be only retribution — it must also be restoration.

Martha Minow

Asked: “Between vengeance and forgiveness, what path leads to lasting peace?” Her answer: justice must combine truth, accountability, and healing.

The Justice Dilemma

What if:

• War criminals still hold power?

• Victims want justice, but leaders fear revenge?

• Telling the truth opens old wounds?

Justice after war is always imperfect — but silence is worse.

A Thought Experiment

A brutal dictator is overthrown.

His generals offer peace — if they’re not prosecuted.

Accepting means peace with injustice.

Rejecting might lead to more war.

What would you choose — peace without justice, or justice without peace?

Building Just Peace

• International courts and strong legal norms

• Victim-centered justice — not just punishment, but healing

• Education that tells the full history, not just the victor’s version

• Public memorials and museums

• Long-term support for war survivors (psychological, medical, legal)

Reflect and Discuss

• Can truth be more powerful than punishment?

• Should former enemies always be held accountable?

• What does real reconciliation look like — and who gets to decide?

Suggested Readings

• Desmond Tutu – No Future Without Forgiveness

• Martha Minow – Between Vengeance and Forgiveness

• United Nations – Basic Principles on the Right to Remedy and Reparation

• International Criminal Court – Rome Statute

• South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission reports