Human Dignity and Transitional Justice in European Post-Conflict Societies

The authors argue that the efficacy of transitional justice in promoting national reconciliation and stabilising democracy is closely tied to two dimensions of human dignity: initial and realised. Initial dignity, which is inherent and inviolable, provides a foundation for transitional justice, asserting the intrinsic worth of every individual regardless of past actions or affiliations. Realised dignity, in contrast, focuses on the practical realisation of human dignity within societal structures that are influenced by political elites and their commitment to democratic values and principles. This study stresses the pivotal role of political elites in the deployment and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms, notably in post-conflict societies like those emerging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the dissolution of Yugoslavia. These contexts illustrate the complexities of achieving reconciliation, a process impeded by historical grievances and ongoing conflicts.