: 
Transitional Justice Scholars Program
All LL.M. applicants have the opportunity to apply for a program that will enable them to focus their studies on the issues surrounding transitional justice. The program was developed in consultation with Professor Paul van Zyl, the Director of the Transitional Justice Project at the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at NYU School of Law. Professor van Zyl served as Executive Secretary of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is currently Program Director at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), an international human rights organization that works on transitional justice issues in over 20 countries.
Transitional Justice Scholars are guaranteed enrollment in the two courses that comprise the classroom component of the Project. In the fall semester, scholars will enroll in a course entitled “Transitional Justice,” which offers an insight into the legal, moral, and political issues that nations must confront as they seek to come to terms with a legacy of human rights abuse. The course is usually co-taught with Global Visiting Professor Alexander Boraine, formerly Vice Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and current Chairperson of the ICTJ. During the spring semester, scholars will participate in a seminar entitled “Case Studies in Transitional Justice,” which provides a detailed analysis of transitional justice initiatives in over a dozen countries.
This rigorous academic exercise will be complemented with the opportunity to undertake internships during the academic year. During this period, scholars will be offered unpaid internship placement assistance at human rights organizations and will also be provided with an opportunity to offer research assistance to various transitional justice institutions. As an additional benefit, upon completion of the LL.M. degree, scholars will receive unpaid internship placement assistance with a variety of transitional justice institutions, such as truth commissions, courts and reparation programs as well as with local human rights organizations in various countries throughout the world.
Interested students are asked to electronically attach an essay of no more than 500 words, with the LL.M. application form. The essay should explain why the student is interested in becoming a Transitional Justice Scholar. Students should also indicate any experience or academic writings that may be relevant.