Day Two - Session 7: Parallel breakout sessions – The importance of access to justice for victims of terrorism
Session 7: Parallel breakout sessions – The importance of access to justice for victims of terrorism
16:20 - 17:35
Access to justice concerns the specific rights of victims in criminal litigation, including appropriate assistance and support before, during, and after criminal proceedings, including the awareness of due process and charges; the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy; and safety from intimidation and retaliation, in particular when serving as witnesses. Two parallel sessions highlighted the importance of a victim-centric approach to access to justice and the right to reparation (including compensation and restitution).
Breakout Session 7 A: Safe participation of victims of terrorism in criminal justice processes
Quick Links: Session and Statements | Speakers | Survey
Breakout Session 7 B: Reparation (compensation and restitution)
Quick Links: Session and Statements | Speakers | Survey
Breakout Session 7 A: Safe participation of victims of terrorism in criminal justice processes
16:20 - 17:35
Room: CR.1
Like any victim of crime, the place and role of victims of terrorism in a terrorism-related criminal justice process depends on the legal system of the country, and on their own varying needs, expectations, and willingness to participate. Victim participation in legal proceedings can promote individual healing and rehabilitation by providing victims with a sense of agency, empowerment, and closure. By allowing a victim to participate in the proceedings, justice can take on a more personal dimension, permitting victims to express their views and concerns, to tell their story, to “experience” justice and to seek reparation. This session highlighted the needs of victims of terrorism to safely participate in victim-centric judicial proceedings to ensure that appropriate advice, assistance, care, facilities and support are provided to every victim throughout the criminal justice process in a manner that prevents revictimization and secondary victimization.
Session and Statements for Breakout session 7 A
Time | Sessions |
Friday, 09 September |
Moderator:
Panelists:
Questions and Observations from the floor Interventions
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Breakout Session 7 B: Reparation (compensation and restitution)
16:20 - 17:35
Room: CR.1
The right to reparation under international law applies to all persons who have suffered harm as the result of a terrorist act without discrimination. This session addressed the existing framework on reparations and outlined how reparations may include monetary compensation, return of property, rehabilitation, medical support, victims' services centres, or symbolic measures such as apologies or memorials. It also highlighted the important role of civil society and non-governmental organizations, detailed best practices for State-funded compensation schemes, particularly those independent from trial outcomes, and highlighted the importance of equitable compensation for victims with additional vulnerabilities and needs.
Session and Statements for Breakout session 7 B
Time | Sessions |
Friday, 09 September |
Moderator:
Panelists:
Questions and Observations from the floor Interventions
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