Mrs. Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), participated in an international symposium on transitional justice held in Morocco from December 6–7, 2024. The event, which marked the 20th anniversary of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, convened legal experts, academics, and human rights advocates from around the world.
Focusing on the theme “Transitional Justice Paths for Sustainable Reforms,” the symposium provided a platform to discuss transitional justice as a cornerstone for sustainable reforms, with a particular emphasis on Morocco’s experience. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of transitional justice in diverse global contexts.
The opening session featured a poignant short film titled “Twenty Truth, Equity and Reconciliation: The Memory of a Station and a Path,” reflecting on the significance of truth and reconciliation processes. Prominent speakers included Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the President of the UN Human Rights Council Omar Zniber, the President of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Remy Ngoi, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who provided thought-provoking insights into the importance of justice mechanisms in addressing historical injustices.
Mrs. Forster made significant contributions during the second thematic session, which examined the roles of public institutions and civil society in shaping transitional justice pathways. Her insights underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between governments and civil society in fostering effective and inclusive justice processes.
In congratulating the Kingdom and People of Morocco for this unique achievement in the field of Transitional Justice, she expressed appreciation particularly to the Chairperson of the National Council for Human Rights in Morocco (CNDH) for the opportunity to be part of the 20-year celebration of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.
She also shared some perspectives on the role of civil society from the TRRC process in The Gambia and highlighted some lessons that can be learnt from the 20 years of distinguished Moroccan experience in the field.
The symposium highlighted the critical need for transitional justice approaches that integrate legislative and institutional reforms with active civil society engagement, emphasizing the potential for these mechanisms to drive meaningful and lasting change.
