When nations endure harsh experiences such as wars, oppression, or human rights violations, simply halting the violence is not enough. Pain doesn't vanish easily, and scars do not fade just because the conflict ends. This is where transitional justice comes in—as a bridge between a painful past and a future we hope will be more just and peaceful.

Transitional justice is, at its core, a sincere attempt by the state and society to confront the past, recognize the victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and build new institutions that are fairer and more transparent. It is not merely about laws and courts, but a human path that restores trust and renews hope.

A political system that truly adopts this approach—not for political cosmetics—offers people a sense that their voices are heard, their dignity is respected, and that justice is not out of reach. Truth commissions, for example, may not restore what was lost, but they retell the story from the victims’ perspective and return to them their humanity. Compensation for those affected is not just material support—it is an official acknowledgment that they have not been forgotten.

Moreover, when institutions like the police and judiciary are reformed, the state becomes fairer, people feel safer, and begin to believe that tomorrow could be better. This is the essence of sustainable development: that everyone, without exception, lives in a society that ensures justice and equal opportunities.

True peace is not built on political agreements alone, but on a foundation of recognition, reconciliation, and dignity. A political system that has the courage to confront its past is the only one capable of leading its people toward a better future—where justice is not merely the end of conflict, but the beginning of renewal.

Dr. Asaad Ghali
College of Law – Al-Mustaqbal University

Al-Mustaqbal University – Ranked first among public and private universities in Iraq