Peace and Justice

Human Rights Watch believes justice matters for peace, and ignoring atrocities reinforces a culture of impunity that encourages future abuses. Human Rights Watch’s research over the past 30 years in many different countries has demonstrated that the impact of justice is too often undervalued when weighing objectives in resolving a conflict and achieving lasting peace. Remaining firm on justice can yield short and long-term benefits, while a decision to forego accountability may prove costly in terms of lives and long-term stability.