In person icon The Uses and Misuses of Human Rights and Transitional Justice: Legitimacy, Selectivity, and Political Interests

Abstract

This panel examines how human rights and transitional justice mechanisms are shaped by political interests, strategic narratives, and geopolitical dynamics. Through different case studies, the panel explores selective enforcement of human rights, the instrumentalization of transitional justice, and the competing motivations behind reparation claims, demonstrating how these processes can serve both justice and political agendas. From the influence on accountability measures by geopolitical alliances and international institutions, to the weaponisation of human rights discourse in time of conflict, to the manipulation of legal and ethical frameworks to justify or challenge power, to how state interests and leaders' agendas shape demands for historical justice and reparation claims. By critically engaging with these issues, the panel underscores the risks posed by the instrumentalisation of human rights and transitional justice, including the erosion of trust in international institutions and the reinforcement of power asymmetries. It raises key questions about how to ensure impartiality, credibility, and effectiveness in these processes.

Title	Details
The Double-Edged Sword: Legitimising and De-Legitimising Power of Human Rights in a Hybrid Conflict	View Paper Details
When Human Rights are Politicized	View Paper Details
Beyond Justice: The Distinct Roles of State Strategies and Personal Leadership Interests in Reparation Claims	View Paper Details
Prioritization of Human Rights in Transitional Justice Processes: Balancing Justice and Reconciliation	View Paper Details