THE SURVIVOR-CENTERED APPROACH TO TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE: WHY A TRAUMA-INFORMED HANDLING OF WITNESS TESTIMONY IS A NECESSARY COMPONENT

This Article studies the reported experiences of witness-survivors who testified in previous trials and truth commissions erected after periods of mass atrocity. Finding a paucity of information on the effects of providing testimony, the authors analyze the existing studies with such witnesses and posit an approach to witness participation that is informed by trauma healing principles to remedy the many negative reported experiences. The Article clarifies that such an approach, informed by trauma healing, does not conflict with, but rather furthers the objectives of international transitional justice in post-conflict settings. The authors contend that such an approach can make for a better experience for witnesses and the work of truth and justice mechanisms more effective.