Innovative Ways to Counter Terrorism: Transitional Justice

Lessons, Challenges, and Future Pathway This conference will explore how transitional justice can contribute to more effective, human rights-based approaches to counter-terrorism and the prevention of political violence. Bringing together leading experts in transitional justice and counter-terrorism, it focuses on the experiences of Northern Ireland and Colombia, examining how societies that are building peace after long-term conflict can address legacies of violence while responding to continuing threats of violence and organised crime. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the conference will consider how accountability, truth, reparations, reconciliation, and guarantees of non-recurrence can support sustainable peace. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of incomplete peace processes, the persistence of armed groups, the reintegration of former combatants, complex victimhood, and tensions between security measures and victims’ rights. Hosting the conference in Northern Ireland provides an important opportunity to reflect on nearly three decades of transition, including the limitations of fragmented transitional justice initiatives and the continued presence of paramilitary organisations. Comparative insights from Colombia will help illuminate the challenges of addressing violence in societies where peace processes coexist with ongoing conflict and criminality. By re-examining the relationship between transitional justice and security, the conference seeks to identify innovative pathways towards more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable responses to terrorism and political violence. The event will be followed by a reception for conference attendees. Co-organised by the Queen’s Institute for Peace, Security and Justice and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut This event is hosted by the Queen's Institute for Peace, Security and Justice in partnership with the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.