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Transitional Justice Efforts in Yemen: Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
In 2011, Yemen experienced a political crisis marked by widespread protests and social unrest, fueled by economic and political grievances against former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. However, a political solution was brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative agreement, which saw Saleh resign and he was granted immunity. The GCC initiative resulted in the formation of a transitional government and the National Dialogue Conference NDC in 2013. The NDC aimed addressing, underlying the causes of the conflict, promoting democratic reforms, and transitional justice and reconciliation. It was addressed in the NDC outcomes and reflected in the constitution draft in 2015. That was the first time Transitional justice was addressed and discussed in Yemen's history openly and comprehensively. Unfortunately, the transition was derailed by the outbreak of a civil war in 2014, leading to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and political instability. The whole concept of transitional justice is still vague as to how to be achieved in Yemen. However, this can lay down the foundation for future transitional justice in Yemen. Lessons should also be taken from the experience of immunity granted to former President Saleh and its impact on lasting peace in Yemen. The presenter will address the ongoing modest attempts to explore the future for achieving transitional justice.
Discipline
Law
Geographic Area
Yemen
Sub Area
None