Regaining trust

Abstract

Crimes against humanity involve not only a willing offender but often collaboration by government authorities as well. Besides threatening victims' faith in others, their faith in government and social institutions is also threatened. In this article we examine victims' perceptions of justice in order to obtain a better understanding of how to restore justice for victims following crimes against humanity. Based on qualitative interviews with victims of crimes against humanity, we explore the meaning and function of justice. The results support the Fairness Heuristic Theory of Justice, which considers justice judgements to be a determinant of trust in authorities. The article closes with recommendations for transitional governments.

Cultural logics of emotion: Implications for understanding torture and its sequelae

“…The arbitrary or capricious way that torture is meted out may contribute to intense and persistent feelings of anger at injustice, but this is mediated by the meanings ascribed to the situation (Batson, Chou & Givens, 2009;Wemmers & Manirabona, 2014;Tay et al, 2015). There are universal expectations for a just world and forms of restorative justice aim at re-establishing this moral order for individuals and communities (Mendeloff, 2009).…”

The impact of acknowledgement and denial of responsibility for harm on victim groups' perceptions of justice, power, and intergroup attitudes

“…It is considered a fundamental human need (Carlsmith, Darley, & Robinson, 2002), described by Heider (1958) as a feeling of "oughtness"-that something "ought to" be done to restore the order that has been upset. The recognition that restoring justice in the aftermath of mass violence is crucial to achieving peace has led to the emergence of transitional justice practices (Bloomfield, Barnes, & Huyse, 2003;Wemmers & Manirabona, 2013). Although there are divergent views on the forms of justice that are most effective for reconciliation (e.g., retributive or restorative justice, for a review, see Wenzel, Okimoto, Feather, & Platow, 2008) there is a consensus that addressing the sense of injustice is of paramount importance for establishing peace.…”