Reparations for international crimes and the development of a civil dimension of international criminal justice

The main purpose of this research project is to inquire into the emerging civil dimension of international criminal law which, in contrast to the criminal dimension, focuses on reparation for victims both at national and international levels. The ultimate goal of this project is to address how international criminal justice should develop in relation to civil redress for victims of international crimes. For this purpose, this study examines, compares and contrasts three analytical frameworks for the adjudication of the civil dimensions of international crimes. The analysis starts the first framework from a theoretical and conceptual discussion of theories of justice grounding the right of victims to reparation juxtaposed with the development of a duty of reparation imposed directly on individuals. I address the relationship between punishment and reparation and their impact on victims, offenders and societies in general, in a theoretical perspective. It then utilizes case studies at the international and national level, as well as the use of administrative mechanisms to discuss the operationalization of reparations for international crimes.