Peace or Justice in Africa: Does the ICC Help or Hinder?

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November 19, 2009 | At this event Charles Villa-Vicencio discussed his recent book, "Walk with Us and Listen: Peace and Reconciliation in Africa." Dr. Villa-Vicencio addressed the need for more complementarity between the ICC and African mechanisms for justice and peace-building; questioned the obligation to prosecute those allegedly guilty of gross violations of human rights; and assessed the success of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Dr. Fathali M. Moghaddam joined the discussion to offer a response to the book. The talk was followed by a Q&A and light refreshments.
Charles Villa-Vicencio is a leading global authority in matters related to transitional justice and reconciliation. A distinguished theologian, he has published numerous works in various scholarly forums. His contributions extend beyond academics: from 1996-1998, he played a central role in South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he acted as national research director. Villa-Vicencio has used his insight and expertise to advise numerous countries dealing with the challenges of rebuilding their societies after periods of internal strife, including Peru and various African nations. Villa-Vicencio is the author of several books, including A Theology of Reconstruction: Nation-Building and Human Rights (1992) and Civil Disobedience and Beyond: Law, Resistance, and Religion in South Africa (1990). In addition, he has edited or co-edited various volumes, such as Looking Back, Reaching Forward: Reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (2000, with Wilhelm Verwoerd), and The Provocations of Amnesty: Memory, Justice, and Impunity (2003, with Erik Doxtader).