February 2008

PDF Format: Lesson Series 55: Reparation as an effective remedy for human rights abuse

The Issue

Reparation for human rights abuse is very important. In fact, it is a key component of the effective remedies states are obligated to provide to victims of violations. Not only does it serve as an acknowledgment of the wrong suffered by individual victims and a means to compensate for this wrong, it also requires both the individual perpetrator and the state to take responsibility for the wrongs.

Reparation should include monetary compensation as well as medical, psychological and social assistance. Most importantly perhaps—although frequently overlooked, particularly in Asia—it must also include access to justice; legal means of addressing the violation and ensuring it does not happen again.

The Lessons

The lessons in this series will discuss international principles regarding victims’ rights to remedies and reparations for human rights violations, as well as specific cases from Asia.