Working to end impunity

The Special Representative has worked to integrate child-specific concerns into post-conflict truth and justice mechanisms in order to end impunity for war crimes against children and bring those responsible to justice. In Sierra Leone, he initiated collaborative efforts with the Office of Legal Affairs, UNICEF, OHCHR, NGOs and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), leading to guidelines for the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the protection and participation of children. In Rwanda, concerned by the large numbers of detainees, including children, awaiting trial, the Special Representative supported and encouraged reinstating the practice of gacaca, a traditional method of justice rooted in the local community, in order to expedite the judicial process. The gacaca adjudication process was launched in 2002 and has since been reviewed by the Office of the Special Representative.

In connection with drafting the rules of evidence and procedure of the International Criminal Court, the Office of the Special Representative convened a steering group to provide inputs, including the appointment of child support persons to facilitate the participation and protection of children. The Office participated in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises, which has proposed the incorporation of six core principles into the codes of conduct of humanitarian operations. The Special Representative has strongly advocated the exclusion of all grave crimes against children from amnesty provisions and legislations arising from peace agreements.

In efforts to end impunity for those involved in child-related war crimes, a framework has been developed for the protection and participation of children in judicial tribunals and truth-seeking processes. This has resulted, for example, in guidelines for the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sierra Leone, and relevant provisions in the ICC rules of evidence and procedure.