Advancing youth engagement in transitional justice across Africa
Since its adoption in 2019, the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) provides a comprehensive framework to address past injustices and promote sustainable peace across the continent.
Yet, many young people report that the AUTJP’s heavy structure and technical language limits their understanding, participation, influence on, and ownership of TJ processes. This is especially concerning as they are among the most affected by conflict, but are often not given a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making.
The youth-friendly AUTJP seeks to increase meaningful youth participation in transitional justice (TJ) globally. It was developed by YORJA through a continent-wide, participatory process that engaged hundreds of young people, including the diaspora.
The result is a resource grounded in diverse lived experiences, regional perspectives, and collective youth input that makes the AUTJP easier to understand. It features quotes to highlight key messages, reflections from youth and their needs, as well as infographics and visuals to explain complex ideas in appealing, accessible ways.
Through this inclusive and iterative approach, the project aims to strengthen youth ownership of the AUTJP and support more meaningful learning, dialogue, and youth engagement in continental TJ processes.
In February 2026, we are excited to launch the resource to international diplomats, policymakers, and key TJ stakeholders on the African continent. Collective discussions will aim to increase effective youth participation in TJ policy and practice, and strengthen continental networks for youth-led advocacy.
In the coming year, we envision the youth-friendly AUTJP resource will move from a static document to a living tool, contribute directly to the AU Decade of Reparations and AUTJP’s implementation agenda, and ensure that young Africans are not only informed about transitional justice, but are active agents shaping its future.
Watch this space for more digital and multimedia resources to be released on the youth-friendly AUTJP!
The Youth Organisation for Research and Justice Advocacy (YORJA) is a pan-African, youth-led organisation advancing the role of young people in shaping transitional justice processes across the continent. YORJA works to ensure that youth voices are meaningfully included in policies, programs, and practices that address the legacies of conflict and human rights violations. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building, YORJA promotes accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive governance, while equipping the next generation of leaders to champion justice and human rights. Find out more at their website.
Impunity Watch is a strategic partner of YORJA. Together, we support, strengthen, and amplify youth participation in transitional justice processes and policy development across the continent and at the African Union level. The production of this resource is part of our Regional Programme promoting transitional justice across the African continent.
