Reparations for violations in armed conflict and the emerging practice of making amends

A fundamental principle of humanity is recognising that victims have rights. These rights are especially important in situations of armed conflict because victims are vulnerable to death, physical or psychological harm, loss of income and damage to their property or the environment they live in. Such harm might arise from violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) or international human rights law (IHRL) or from the acts considered necessary and proportional to achieving the military aim. Providing victims with measures to deal with the harm committed is important from a number of perspectives, including the need to deter future violations, protect the interests of victims, realise the rights victims are entitled to, and work towards transitional justice and post-conflict development.¹