War Crimes, Victims and Criminal Justice Responses

War crimes, victims, and criminal justice responses form a critical area of concern in understanding the societal response to extreme forms of violence. War crimes produce deep and lasting harm, leaving victims with physical, psychological, and social consequences that often extend far beyond the period of conflict. Criminal justice systems, both national and international, are tasked with investigating such crimes, ensuring accountability, and delivering justice to post-conflict communities. However, responses are often shaped by political interests, uneven power relations, and practical challenges in conflict settings. Institutions such as international tribunals and domestic courts attempt to bridge this gap, but justice remains complex and unequal. The session highlights the dynamics between legal accountability, victim recognition, and the broader pursuit of peace and justice in post-conflict societies.