Author

No Justice without Narratives

Introduction

No justice without narratives. Explore transitional justice in Cambodia (ECCC), proposing a sociological method for victim narratives. Based on 70 oral histories, it bridges local & global justice conceptions.

Abstract

The article addresses the relationship between the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and the supposed constituents of that transitional justice institution. The article sets out to offer a sociological methodology that TJ mechanism could contemplate in the process of enabling victims/witnesses to narrate justice and transition in their own terms and using Cambodia as a case study. It offers a theoretical and methodological approach to be reflected upon by transitional justice scholars and practitioners, which may enable a more victim-centered attitude in practical interactions with atrocity survivors (not a cure-all policy solution). My own research has actively used this methodology to serve this task. This article draws on 70 in-depth oral histories taken from regime survivors, former Khmer Rouge, religious leaders, international and domestic jurists at the ECCC ,witnesses, civil parties, historical and cultural figures from multiple communities in 10 provinces in Cambodia. I have established some basis for situating individual voices into a specifically Cambodian intellectual context. In discussing the Cambodian case from the position of those outside the ECCC (but whom that institution serves) the article engages with the normative assumptions of transitional justice praxis and broader thematic problems such as bridging local and global conceptions of justice.

Review

"No Justice without Narratives" presents a compelling and timely argument regarding the indispensable role of individual experiences in the pursuit of transitional justice. The article adeptly focuses on the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), critically examining its relationship with the very constituents it purports to serve. By proposing a nuanced sociological methodology, the author aims to empower victims and witnesses to articulate their understandings of justice and transition on their own terms. This foundational premise is crucial, as it directly addresses a persistent challenge in transitional justice mechanisms: how to move beyond institutional frameworks to genuinely integrate the lived realities and diverse perspectives of those most affected by atrocity. The title itself powerfully encapsulates the article's central thesis, immediately signalling its victim-centered approach. The methodological rigor underpinning this work is particularly impressive. The author's research draws on an extensive empirical base, comprising 70 in-depth oral histories collected from a remarkably diverse group of participants. This includes regime survivors, former Khmer Rouge, religious leaders, jurists, witnesses, and cultural figures across 10 provinces in Cambodia. This broad engagement provides a rich tapestry of perspectives, allowing the author to meticulously situate individual voices within a specific Cambodian intellectual context. By engaging with those positioned 'outside' the formal ECCC structure yet directly impacted by its mandate, the article offers a unique and critical lens through which to scrutinize the normative assumptions of transitional justice praxis. This deep, multi-faceted data collection is a significant strength, promising a nuanced exploration of the complexities involved in bridging local and global conceptions of justice. Ultimately, this article makes a substantial contribution to both transitional justice scholarship and practice. It offers a valuable theoretical and methodological framework that can inform future engagements with atrocity survivors, fostering a more genuinely victim-centered attitude. While not claiming to offer a "cure-all policy solution," its insights provide essential guidance for practitioners striving to create more inclusive and meaningful justice processes. For scholars, the article's engagement with the Cambodian case study and its critical examination of local-global dynamics offer fertile ground for further research and conceptual development. This work is highly relevant and demonstrates a profound commitment to enhancing the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice by prioritizing human narratives.

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