Lawyering Peace: Infusing Accountability into the Peace Negotiations Process

Authors

Paul Williams, American University Washington College of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2020

Journal

Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law

Volume

52

Abstract

On August 28, 2019, Dr. Paul R. Williams delivered the Bruce J. Klatsky Endowed Lecture on Human Rights at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. This article, based on his lecture, examines how justice has repeatedly found a foothold in peace processes, and how the international community can continue to work towards embedding accountability into peace processes to achieve durable peace. This article traces the arc of accountability in peace processes, from an era of impunity and a period of stepping stones moments, to today’s uncertain moment for post-conflict accountability and justice mechanisms. The author argues that comprehensive transitional justice — as hard as it is to achieve — cannot be forgotten, and that it is incumbent on peace negotiators to carve out space for accountability and justice.

Recommended Citation

Paul Williams, Lawyering Peace: Infusing Accountability into the Peace Negotiations Process, 52 Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law (2020).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/facsch_lawrev/1268