Justice for Victims of Mass Violence Training Course

Justice for Victims of Mass Violence Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly volatile world marked by war crimes, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, the pursuit of justice for victims of mass violence has become a central tenet in global peacebuilding and transitional justice systems. Justice for Victims of Mass Violence Training Course is designed to build the capacities of professionals, activists, legal practitioners, and institutions working to address human rights violations, ensure restorative justice, and promote accountability and redress for survivors of mass atrocities. It integrates international legal frameworks, trauma-informed approaches, and survivor-centered strategies for long-term peace and societal healing.

With a strong emphasis on transitional justice, victim protection, and post-conflict resolution, this course will explore current trends, innovations, and digital documentation tools that enhance truth-seeking, evidence collection, and reparation mechanisms. Through real-world case studies, simulation exercises, and interactive modules, participants will gain actionable insights into promoting rule of law, advocacy for survivors, and institutional reforms that ensure justice in both domestic and international contexts.

Course Objectives

1. Understand international humanitarian law and its role in mass atrocity accountability.
2. Analyze mechanisms of transitional justice systems globally.
3. Explore gender-based violence (GBV) within the context of mass violence.
4. Learn victim-centered approaches in legal and psychosocial support.
5. Master the use of digital evidence and forensic tools for case documentation.
6. Examine the function of truth commissions and public inquiries.
7. Develop strategies for community reconciliation and peacebuilding.
8. Build competencies in international criminal law and procedures.
9. Understand the process of witness protection and confidentiality.
10. Identify pathways for reparation and restitution to victims.
11. Assess the role of civil society and advocacy organizations.
12. Design early warning systems and preventive justice models.
13. Evaluate case law precedents from international tribunals.

Target Audiences

1. Human rights lawyers and legal advisors
2. Law enforcement officers and investigators
3. Non-governmental organization (NGO) professionals
4. Social workers and trauma counselors
5. Academics and researchers in peace and conflict studies
6. Government and policy advisors
7. Journalists covering conflict and human rights issues
8. International development and humanitarian aid workers

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Mass Violence and International Law

• Definitions and classifications of mass violence
• Overview of the Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute
• Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Principles of state responsibility and impunity
• Historical case: Rwanda Genocide and ICTR
• Case Study: Nuremberg Trials and legal precedents

Module 2: Transitional Justice Frameworks

• Principles of justice during and after conflict
• Four pillars: truth, justice, reparation, non-recurrence
• Legal vs. non-legal transitional justice
• Comparative country case studies
• Role of customary justice mechanisms
• Case Study: South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Module 3: Gender-Based Violence in Conflict

• Understanding GBV as a weapon of war
• Legal instruments addressing GBV (CEDAW, UNSCR 1325)
• Challenges in prosecution of GBV crimes
• Survivor support and trauma recovery
• Intersectionality and gender justice
• Case Study: Sexual violence during the Bosnian War

Module 4: Victim Participation and Legal Rights

• Rights of victims under international law
• Victim protection programs
• Psychological first aid for survivors
• Ethical interviewing techniques
• Empowering survivors through legal channels
• Case Study: Victims at the ICC—Lubanga Case

Module 5: Evidence Gathering and Forensics

• Digital documentation and chain of custody
• Forensic anthropology and exhumation procedures
• Role of satellite and drone imaging
• Challenges in evidence admissibility
• Use of open-source intelligence (OSINT)
• Case Study: Forensic work in former Yugoslavia

Module 6: Truth Commissions and Collective Memory

• Role in healing and accountability
• How to design and implement truth commissions
• Managing victim testimonies
• Public hearings and societal impact
• Relationship with national archives and media
• Case Study: Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Module 7: Reparations and Restitution

• Types of reparations: symbolic, material, institutional
• Designing victim compensation schemes
• Addressing cultural and community needs
• International donor involvement
• Institutional reform and non-recurrence guarantees
• Case Study: Colombia Victims’ Law

Module 8: International Criminal Law Procedures

• Prosecution of war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity
• The role of prosecutors and defense lawyers
• Standards of proof and legal protections
• Plea bargaining and cooperation
• Rights of the accused vs. victim rights
• Case Study: Charles Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone

Module 9: Community Reconciliation and Peacebuilding

• Dialogue and trust-building initiatives
• Role of religious and traditional leaders
• Arts, memorialization, and reconciliation
• Disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR)
• Youth engagement in peace processes
• Case Study: Gacaca Courts in post-genocide Rwanda

Module 10: Role of Civil Society and Media

• Advocacy for justice and survivor rights
• Investigative journalism and narrative framing
• Social media in justice campaigns
• Risks and protection for defenders
• Partnerships with international institutions
• Case Study: Human Rights Watch in Darfur

Module 11: Witness Protection and Safety

• Establishing safe houses and relocation programs
• Anonymity, voice distortion, and pseudonyms
• Psychological resilience of witnesses
• Legal frameworks supporting witness protection
• Coordination with law enforcement
• Case Study: Witness security in Kosovo Specialist Chambers

Module 12: Policy and Institutional Reform

• Justice system reform post-conflict
• Vetting of public officials
• Strengthening judicial independence
• Restoring law enforcement credibility
• Role of anti-corruption commissions
• Case Study: Tunisia’s transitional justice policy reform

Module 13: Early Warning Systems for Atrocity Prevention

• Indicators of mass violence escalation
• Mapping and monitoring tools
• Coordination between stakeholders
• Media monitoring and misinformation control
• Training communities in early response
• Case Study: Genocide Watch in Central African Republic

Module 14: Technology and Innovation in Justice Delivery

• Blockchain for justice records
• AI-powered documentation tools
• Virtual courtrooms and hybrid trials
• Cybersecurity for case data
• Mobile legal aid services
• Case Study: EyeWitness to Atrocities app

Module 15: Simulation Exercise and Capstone Case Analysis

• Mock trial proceedings
• Group presentations and role-playing
• Legal brief writing
• Advocacy campaign design
• Debrief and reflection sessions
• Case Study: Role-play ICC case simulation

Training Methodology

• Interactive presentations and expert-led discussions
• Real-life case studies and storytelling
• Group workshops, breakout activities, and role-play simulations
• Audio-visual content and survivor testimony
• Knowledge assessments and reflection journals
• Certificate of completion and project review

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.