KMF Research Report Launch: Integration of MHPSS approaches in accountability mechanisms for atrocity crimes

This is a hybrid event. Both in-person and online participants need to register through the link below.

The role of victims and of victim-witnesses in national and international accountability mechanisms for atrocity crimes has progressively gained ground over the past two decades. This development increased the need for a better understanding of the potential psychological impact of the work of these mechanisms on survivors/victims and witnesses. It also triggered a heightened interest in how mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS)  approaches can improve witness evidence and victim well-being and, ultimately, improve justice outcomes. However, notwithstanding the increased focus on victim-centred justice, the use of MHPSS approaches and trauma-informed methodologies is still underdeveloped and only scarcely integrated in the work of most justice mechanisms. 

The Integration of mental health and psychosocial approaches in accountability mechanisms for atrocity crimes research project, supported by the Knowledge Management Fund and the Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law,  aimed to fill this gap by making good practices and know-how widely available to practitioners in the justice field through guidelines and by strengthening a community of practice around the topic. The key objective being that this project becomes a catalyst for further integration of mental health and psychosocial approaches in accountability mechanisms to make them truly victim and witness-centered. 

To mark the release of the research report, a launch event co-organized by the lead researcher An Michels, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and  the Knowledge Platform Security and Rule of Law will be held on May 16th, 2024 at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague and online (for both, registration is needed). The launch event will bring together stakeholders, including legal experts, MHPSS practitioners, human rights advocates, policymakers, and representatives from affected communities, to discuss strategies, challenges, and best practices in ensuring meaningful and coherent use of MHPSS approaches and trauma-informed methodologies in accountability-seeking processes.  

For more information on the event, please download this pdf.