Justice after genocide - (Issue 385)

Genocide, 'ethnic cleansing', mass murder – these have been depressingly familiar aspects of human history. But there are glimmers of hope and reasons for celebration. Not because the atrocities are fewer – witness the genocide in Darfur – but because there is an emerging sense that a global legal system is gradually being built which will bring perpetrators to justice.
The truth may not lead automatically to justice. But without it there is no hope. This month's NI looks at what people and nations must do to move beyond their murderous pasts.