AbdulRehman Foundation

The basic principles and guidelines on the right to a remedy and reparation for victims of gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law are important tools for ensuring justice, accountability, and redress for individuals who have suffered harm as a result of these violations. These principles and guidelines have been developed by the international community to provide guidance to states and other actors on their obligations in addressing the rights of victims. Here are the key principles and guidelines:

1. Right to a Remedy: Victims have the right to an effective remedy for the violations they have suffered, including access to justice, truth, and reparations.
2. Access to Justice: Victims have the right to a fair and impartial judicial process, where perpetrators are held accountable and victims can participate effectively. This includes access to courts, tribunals, or other competent authorities.
3. Right to Truth: Victims have the right to know the truth about the circumstances in which the violations occurred, the identities of the perpetrators, and the reasons for the violations.
4. Reparations: Victims have the right to full and effective reparation, which may include restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. Reparations should be proportional to the harm suffered and tailored to the specific needs of the victims.
5. State Responsibility: States have the primary responsibility to provide remedies and reparations to victims. They should establish effective and accessible mechanisms to ensure that victims can seek and obtain remedies.
6. Non-State Actors: Non-state actors, including armed groups and corporations, may also have responsibilities to provide remedies and reparations for violations they have committed or contributed to.
7. Gender Perspective: Particular attention should be given to the gender-specific impact of violations, and measures should be taken to address the specific needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
8. Non-Discrimination: Remedies and reparations should be provided without discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
9. Adequate, Effective, and Prompt Remedies: Remedies and reparations should be provided in a timely manner and be adequate, effective, and appropriate to the harm suffered. They should take into account the gravity of the violations and the needs of the victims.
10. International Cooperation: States should cooperate with each other and provide mutual assistance to ensure the provision of remedies and reparations, including the sharing of information, evidence, and expertise.

These principles and guidelines reflect the commitment of the international community to protect and promote the rights of victims of gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law. They provide a framework for addressing the rights of victims and contribute to the establishment of a just and peaceful society.