Artwork by Daphne Mavrovounioti-Trimiklinioti
On 28–29 May 2026, DISACT Principal Investigator Professor Iosif Kovras participated in the Transitional Justice and Human Rights Network Annual Workshop, co-organised by the University of Nicosia and the University of Cyprus in Nicosia. The workshop brought together scholars working on issues of accountability, reconciliation, human rights, and transitional justice in contemporary societies.
At the workshop, Professor Kovras presented the paper Justice on Hold: Explaining the Reluctance of Victims to Seek Accountability, co-authored with Elpida Vasileiou and Dr. Nikandros Ioannides. The paper examines a central puzzle in transitional justice: why victims may choose not to pursue accountability, even when legal avenues are available to them.
Drawing on research on families of missing persons in Cyprus, the study explores how victims navigate the tensions between humanitarian priorities, truth recovery, and demands for justice. By examining the factors that shape decisions to refrain from seeking accountability, the paper contributes to broader debates on victim agency, transitional justice, and post-conflict reconciliation.
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to engage with scholars from different disciplines and receive valuable feedback on ongoing research. Participation in the event formed part of DISACT’s ongoing commitment to disseminating research findings and contributing to international discussions on enforced disappearances, accountability, and human rights.