Support the organization and provide technical knowledge to the 7th African Forum on Transitional Justice in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, in September 2023

ECES was requested by the African Union Commission to support in the technical and logistical organization of the 7th African Forum on Transitional Justice in Rabat form 12th to 14th September 2023.

Since the inaugural African Transitional Justice Forum in 2017, the TJ Forum has probed the state of transitional justice in Africa. It aims to foster comprehensive reflections and discussions on the continent's advancements, innovations, shortcomings, and challenges in addressing the diverse range of obstacles faced by African people. As a multi-stakeholder platform that brings about African states, TJ experts and practitioners, NHRIs, CSOs, RECs, AU organs, and victims’ networks, the Forum also endeavors to promote sharing of best practices and provides recommendations for various actors aimed at improving regional TJ practices. In line with the AU Theme of the Year and the Commemoration of 20 years of the Maputo Protocol and the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity the 7th Edition of the Forum focused on Inclusive and Participatory Governance, Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Justice in Africa. It also paid particular attention to other emerging issues, progress, and best practices in addressing these issues, thus further pushing the boundaries of transitional justice to provide solutions, shape approach(es) and build tools to address them.

Linking transitional justice, gender equality, and socio-economic justice in Africa recognises the interconnectedness of these dimensions and allows for a more comprehensive and effective approach to achieving lasting peace, equality, and development. By delving deeper into these interconnected challenges and exchanging best practices and innovative approaches during this edition of the Forum, African countries have an opportunity to collaborate towards creating just and inclusive societies that uphold human rights, secure justice, promote reconciliation, and foster socio-economic transformation.

To this end, the 7th edition of the Forum focused on the following themes that made up various panel discussions over the three days:

Free movement of goods and people in Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A Transitional Justice Lens to addressing Challenges and Opportunities for Marginalized Groups’ Socio-economic Transformation
State of Transitional Justice in Africa: Developments and Progress from Ongoing National TJ Processes
Business Sector Accountability through Transitional Justice: Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities for Pursuing Justice for Private Sector Violations and Crimes in Africa
Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Gender and Masculinities and Transitional Justice: Reflections on Progress, Innovation, Gaps and Opportunities
Advancing Women and Socio-Economic Justice in Africa: Reflections on Progress, Limitations, and Innovation
Africa’s Journey on Implementing Transitional Justice: Progress and Challenges for Member States, AU Organs, and RECs
Children and Youth in Transitional Justice: Moving Beyond their victimhood to Active Participation in Transitional Justice Processes to Guarantee Non-Recurrence.
The Role of African National Human rights Institutions (NHRI) in TJ: Safeguarding achievements and ensuring sustainability of results
Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Recovery Processes
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in Transitional Justice: Shaping New Discourses, Lens and Approaches to Transitional Justice