….”there is a basic psychological justification for undertaking a process of remembering the past. Psychologically past traumas do not simply pass or disappear with the passage of time. The past can never just be ignored and past traumas can always be expected to have emotional consequences for an individual and the society at some later stage. Psychological restoration and healing can only occur through providing the space for survivors of violence to feel heard and for every detail of the traumatic event to be re-experienced in a safe environment.”
Brandon Hamber
Here we have a collection of sites and articles working and reflecting on the topics of and connection between reparation, (mental) health recovery and reconstruction of socioeconomic stability.
Trauma and the Role of Mental Health in Post-Conflict Recovery
Mollica et al. 2004
Over 1 Billion persons have been affected by mass violence in recent years; many have developed mental health related disabilities affecting their well-being, productivity and peaceful existence. This Book of Best Practices aims at achieving a rational, culturally sensitive and feasible comprehensive system of mental health care in post-conflict societies.
Community-Based Approaches to Mental Health and Conflict Resolution in Post-Conflict Libya
Amanda Lubit 2013
Post-conflict Libya faces the challenges of establishing a national health system that is capable of addressing mental health needs for a population traumatized by decades of repression and a
recent war. In order to recover, traumatized populations require feelings of safety, calm,
empowerment, connectedness, and hope. To help achieve this outcome, programs must focus on
medical and social aspects at both the individual and community level.
Trauma informed restorative justice through community based sociotherapy in Rwanda
Ingabire et al. 2017
Restorative justice, when trauma informed, has a great potential to effectively contribute to sustainable peace in post conflict settings. An evidence based example of a program illustrating such effect is community based sociotherapy in Rwanda. This article documents what this program has achieved in terms of restorative justice, following the closure of Gacaca, the community based justice system that was in operation in Rwanda nationwide from 2005 to 2012.
Mental health reform in post-conflict areas: a policy analysis based on experiences in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo
This policy analysis provides insight into the ongoing process of mental health reform and the difficulty of sustaining such reform in post-conflict areas. It is based on experiences in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo in the former Yugoslavia.
Health in Post-conflict and Fragile States
Rohini Jonnalagadda Haar and Leonard S. Rubenstein, 2012
The role of health in development and aid policy in conflict-affected and fragile states remains a conundrum. Evidence is increasing that conflict and fragility have a devastating impact on health. At the same time, knowledge on how to construct effective and sustainable health systems in these states through local leadership and donor commitment is expanding.
Rehabilitation as a form of reparation under international law
Dr. Clara S.Villalba, REDRESS, 2009
This article (65 p.) discusses various aspects in rehabilitation and redress/reparation, why this concept seems to be still elusive, and the international lack of agreement. Useful and detailed overview. Target group: people working with reparations on professional level .
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa: relation to psychiatric status and forgiveness among survivors of human rights abuses
Debra Kaminer et al, British Journal of Psychiatry, 2001
This article is an abstract of the examination of the degree to which participation in the TRC is related to the current psychiatric status and forgiveness among survivors.
Symbolic closure through memory, reparation and revenge in post-conflict societies
Brandon Hamber, Richard Wilson, Journal of Human Rights, 2002
Here the connection between truth commissions and beneficial psychological consequences is discussed, as well as the terms reconciliation, retribution and the individual process of healing work. Target group: professionals in working with reparation.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Paradise Lost or Pragmatism?
Brandon Hamber, Journal of Peace Psychology, 2007
In this article (12 p.) we find lots of considerations and thoughts on the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. Previously the domain of philosophers and theologians the have become more integrated in discussion on political transition. Specially in societies coming out of conflict these topics are complex and difficult in discussion.
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding : Meeting Human Needs for Justice and Reconciliation
Wendy Lambourne, april 2004
A paper about 24 p., the author arguing that both justice and reconciliation are fundamentally significant goals, needed to be addressed in the design of successful peacebuiling processes (especially in the aftermath of genocide). Reconciliation is important as a means to conflict resolution and transformation. –
Trauma and Transitional Justice in Divided Societies
Judy Barsalou, USIP, 2005
Special Report (12 p.) after a 3-day-conference about this topic, organized by the UN-institute of Peace.
Ignoring cries for justice, South Africa fails victims of Apartheid era crimes
ICTJ 2013
The article emphasizes on the important role of government to secure and support the TRC’s recommendations otherwise “survivors lack the means to deal with material and psychological consequences of apartheid violence, and must face enormous hurdles to have their demands heard”. Contains a rhighly relevant intervju with ICTJ Senior Program Adviser Howard Varney, a practicing advocate at the Johannesburg Bar, who worked with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and continues to represent victims of past conflicts in the courts of South Africa to vindicate their rights.
Remembering to Forget: Issues to Consider when Establishing Structures for Dealing with the Past
Brandon Hamber
In this article sheds the light on some ways to ease the process of dealing with the past, these include the establishment of official, socially recognised and creatively composed bodies.
Dealing with the Past and the Psychology of Reconciliation: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a psychological perspective.
Brandon Hamber, 1995
This article speaks about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) established in South Africa, with the express purpose of facilitating a truth recovery process aimed at reconciling with the past. According to the objectives of the latest draft of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Bill this process of reconciliation is to occur through the establishing of as complete a picture as possible of the causes, nature and extent of past abuses. The so-called “victims” of these abuses will be located and allowed to relate their stories so as to restore human and civil dignity.