Justice, Accountability and Sustained Momentum for Democracy

Shoring Up Democratic Norms in Countries Facing Conflict and Authoritarianism

Justice institutions — both formal and transitional — are critical for maintaining a state’s commitment to democratic principles when threatened by authoritarianism and conflict. These institutions provide spaces for the public, victims and survivors to have their grievances heard, and to seek remedies and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. In Colombia, The Gambia and Ukraine, justice institutions have shed light on abuses of civilian populations and have helped set their countries on a path toward accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims and survivors.

On March 28, USIP and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice and Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations hosted a discussion on how formal and transitional justice mechanisms have created or sustained momentum for democracy in states where democratic values are threatened by authoritarianism and conflict. The conversation included renowned civil society activists and Nobel laureates from Colombia, The Gambia and Ukraine who have worked to make justice processes more inclusive of — and available to — vulnerable populations as they seek to address the full breadth of harms suffered by civilian populations.

For more information about this event, and to join the live audience Q&A, please visit

Speakers:

Lise Grande, co-moderator

President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Colleen Crenwelge, welcoming remarks

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, U.S. Department of State

Beth Van Schaack, keynote remarks

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Office of Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State

Ambassador David Scheffer, co-moderator

Professor of Practice, Arizona State University (Washington)

Gina Cabarcas Maciá

Director, Justice & Criminal Policy Laboratory

Baba Galleh Jallow

Roger D. Fisher Fellow in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Harvard Law School

Oleksandra Matviichuk

Head of the Organization, Center for Civil Liberties; Nobel Peace Laureate

Fabricio Guariglia, closing remarks

Director, The Hague Branch Office, International Development Law Organization

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP