Transitional Justice and the Kurdish Conflict

I participated, on 12 December 2025, in the book launch hosted by The Transitional Justice Institute & INCORE (Ulster University) of the publication “Transitional Justice and the Kurdish Conflict: A Grassroots Approach" (Routledge 2025) by Dr Nisan Alıcı (University of Derby) one of my former PhD researchers. This new book examines how transitional justice can contribute to transforming the Kurdish conflict in Turkey by centralising the experience of victims-survivors, activists, and other grassroots actors. The event is especially timely, coinciding with an ongoing peace process in Turkey aimed at ending the Kurdish conflict that has lasted for over 40 years.

To find out more about the event visit the Transitional Justice and the Kurdish Conflict: A Grassroots Approach event page (opens in new window).

Celebrating International Human Rights Day

From December 8 to 10, 2025, Conflict Textiles, Ulster University, INCORE, Queen's University Belfast, and the Tower Museum collaborated on a three-day programme honouring International Human Rights Day. This initiative highlighted the power of textiles and film in addressing human rights issues.

Participants included film students, researchers, activists, curators, and community members, all exploring how textiles and film can serve as vehicles for memory, truth, and justice. Events included film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, and discussions.

On December 10, the Derry-Londonderry Ulster University Campus hosted a special event featuring short films curated by Cinematic Arts student Jessica Buchanan and PhD researcher Tabassum Islam. Following the screenings, attendees engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with filmmaker Esther Vital, Roberta Bacic from Conflict Textiles, and Professors Élise Féron and Brandon Hamber from INCORE. 

The event underscored the vital role of film in fostering community dialogue around human rights. 

Conflict Textiles has curated a page with all the links and events.

Reconciliation: My Publications

Last Updated 12 November 2025.

I have numerous requests for my writing and publications on reconciliation. The publications below really deal with the conceptual and definitional issues on reconciliation.

So below I have compiled a list of published work to date:  

• Deng, F. M., & Hamber, B. (2022). Two Perspectives on Fanie du Toit’s When Political Transitions Work: Reconciliation as Interdependence. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 14(1), 366-375 [Download PDF | DOI]
• Hamber, B. and Kelly, G. (2018). Response on Reconciliation to the Consultation Paper: Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past. INCORE, University of Ulster. Submitted online 5 October 2018 [Download]
• Hamber, B., & Kelly, G. (2018). Reconciliation: A Northern Ireland Case Study. In Kofi Annan Foundation and Interpeace (Eds), Challenging the Conventional: Can Post-Violence Reconciliation Succeed? (pp. 98-148). New York/Geneva: Kofi Annan Foundation & Interpeace [Download Chapter | Download Book]
• Hamber, B. & Kelly, G. (2018). The Reconciliation Paradox. Peace in Progress, 34. International Catalan Institute for Peace (ICIP): Barcelona [Substack | Medium | Blog | Download PDF]
• Hamber, B. (2014). Reconciliation. US Institute of Peace Insight Newsletter. (Fall 2014). USIP: Washington DC [Substack | Medium | Blog | Download PDF | Download Alternative PDF]
• Hamber, B., & Kelly, G. (2009). Too deep, too threatening: Understandings of reconciliation in Northern Ireland. In A. Chapman & H. van der Merwe (Eds.), Assessing the Impact of Transitional Justice: Challenges for Empirical Research. Washington: AAAS [Request Publication]
• Hamber, B., & Kelly, G. (2009). Beyond Coexistence: Towards a working definition of reconciliation. In J. Quinn (Ed.). Reconciliation(s) Transitional Justice in Postconflict Societies. Montreal: McGill University Press [Request Publication]
• Hamber, B. (2008). Forgiveness and Reconciliation: A Critical Reflection. In L. O'Hagan (Ed.), Stories in Conflict: Towards Understanding and Healing (pp. 139-155). Derry: Yes Publications [Request Publication]
• Hamber, B., & Kelly, G. (2008). The Challenge of Reconciliation: Translating Theory into Practice. In Community Relations Council (Ed.), A Sustainable Peace?: Research as a Contribution to Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland (pp. 3-26). Belfast: Community Relations Council [Request Publication]
• Hamber, B. (2007). Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Paradise Lost or Pragmatism?. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 13(1), 113-123 [Download]
• Hamber, B. & Kelly, G. (2007). Reconciliation: Time to grasp the nettle. Scope - Social Affairs Magazine, February. NICVA: Belfast, Northern Ireland [Substack | Medium | Blog | Download PDF]
• Hamber, B. (2006). Exporting reconciliation or reality TV. Polity and Engineering News, 17 March 2006 [Substack | Medium | Blog]
• Hamber, B., & Kelly, G. (2005). The Challenge of Reconciliation in Post-conflict Societies: Definitions, problems and proposals. In I. O'Flynn & D. Russell (Eds.), Power Sharing: New Challenges for Divided Societies (pp. 188-203). London: Pluto Press [Request Publication]
• Kelly, G. & Hamber, B. (Eds.) (2005). Reconciliation: Rhetoric or Relevance?. Report 17. Belfast, Northern Ireland: Democratic Dialogue [Download]
• Hamber, B. & Kelly, G. (2005). A Place for Reconciliation? Conflict and Locality in Northern Ireland. Report No. 18. Belfast, Northern Ireland: Democratic Dialogue [Download]
• Kelly, G. & Hamber, B. (2004). Coherent, contested or confused? Views on reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Paper presented at the Reconciliation: Rhetoric or Relevance? A roundtable discussion on concepts and practices of reconciliation, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, 9 June 2004 [Download]
• Hamber, B. (2004). Public Memorials and Reconciliation Processes in Northern Ireland. Paper presented at the Trauma and Transitional Justice in Divided Societies Conference, Airlie House, Warrington, Virginia, USA, 27-29 March 2004 [Download]
• Hamber, B. (2004). Submission to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Reconciliation: Ways of dealing with Northern Ireland's Past. Submission, December 2004. London: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. [Download]
• Hamber, B. & Kelly, G. (2004). A Working Definition of Reconciliation. SEUPB & Democratic Dialogue: Published with PEACE II Funding Guidelines [Download]
• Hamber, B. (2003). Transformation and Reconciliation. In J. Darby & R. MacGinty (eds), Contemporary Peacemaking: Conflict, violence and peace processes, Palgrave/MacMillan, Hampshire: UK [Request Publication]
• Hamber, B. (2002). Maximising our contributions to building peace and reconciliation. Paper presented at the Standing Community Convention, Armagh City Hotel, Northern Ireland, 16 December 2002 [Download]
• Hamber, B. & Maepa, T. (2000). Education for Reconciliation in South Africa. The Development Education Journal, Volume 6(2), pp. 15-17
• Hamber, B. & van der Merwe, H. (1998). Rainbow of Reconciliation. New People, No. 55, July-August, pp.19-22 [Download PDF]
• Hamber, B. and van der Merwe, H. (1998). What is this thing called Reconciliation?. Reconciliation in Review, Volume 1, Number 1, pp.3-6. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation [Substack | Medium | Blog | Download PDF]
• Hamber, B.E. (1997). Truth: the Road to Reconciliation?. Cantilevers: Building Bridges for Peace, First Quarter, pp.5-6 [Substack | Medium | Blog]
• Hamber, B. (1996). Will Reconciliation Follow Disclosure?. New Nation, 3 May 1996 [Substack | Medium | Blog]

If you cannot access any of the above publications, please send me a request and I will email it to you.

Safety, Security and Wellbeing for All Seminar Series

We are pleased to announce the “Safety, Security and Wellbeing for All” Seminar Series hosted by Ulster University and INCORE which will examine the rise of extremist political discourse.

The United Kingdom is experiencing growing political polarisation, with increasingly divisive and exclusionary discourse becoming a prominent feature of public life. In recent years, radical narratives have gained greater prominence in debates about immigration, law and order, human rights, and welfare—issues central to the well-being of society as a whole. This development has, at times, contributed to heightened social tensions and instances of violence.

We believe this is a critical moment that calls for thoughtful engagement from academic, policy, and community actors alike. The challenges posed by extremist politics have implications that extend across society. We must come together to reflect on how we arrived at this juncture, where we might be heading, and how communities and institutions can work collaboratively to safeguard democratic values and social cohesion.

In response, we are launching a public lecture series examining extremist political discourse—its nature, historical evolution in the UK and beyond, its increasing normalisation in public debate, and its broader implications for democracy and social well-being.

Conveners

This series is convened by Dr Luqman Saeed (Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics / International Conflict Research Institute, Ulster University), in collaboration with Professor Brandon Hamber (John Hume and Thomas P. O'Neill Chair in Peace, International Conflict Research Institute, Ulster University) and Professor Élise Féron(Director, International Conflict Research Institute, Ulster University).

Stay tuned for more details on the schedule and speakers!

Aerial view of Kingston upon Hull anti-immigration riot Aug 2024 at The Royal Hotel, Hull

Gender, Masculinities and Peacebuilding: Joint Book Launch

On 19 June 2025, we gathered at Ulster University for the joint book launch of two groundbreaking volumes: The Routledge Handbook of Masculinities, Conflict, and Peacebuilding and Masculinities and Queer Perspectives in Transitional Justice.

This event celebrated the culmination of years of research exploring how gender, particularly masculinities and queer identities, influences contexts of violence and peacebuilding. The launch highlighted the relevance of these themes in today’s political landscape.

Belfast, with its rich history and vibrant academic community, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. Attendees joined several authors for an engaging interactive discussion about the books' implications for current debates and the path forward.

The Routledge Handbook of Masculinities, Conflict, and Peacebuilding (Edited By Henri Myrttinen, Chloé Lewis, Heleen Touquet, Philipp Schulz, Farooq Yousaf, Elizabeth Laruni). This comprehensive handbook challenges conventional views on men and masculinities in conflict and peacebuilding. It offers a multi-dimensional exploration of gender dynamics, combining feminist, intersectional, and queer perspectives to illuminate the complexities of men’s roles in these processes.

Masculinities and Queer Perspectives in Transitional Justice (Edited By Philipp Schulz, Brandon Hamber and Heleen Touquet). This volume investigates the intersections of masculinities and queer theories, enhancing our understanding of violence, justice, and post-conflict transitions. It aims to foster more inclusive approaches to gender in addressing violent pasts.

Editors Philipp Schulz, Brandon Hamber and Heleen Touquet

The event was co-hosted by the Transitional Justice Institute and INCORE at Ulster University, marking a significant moment in advancing conversations around gender and peacebuilding. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the enriching discussions!

Another Trump Circus, Another Dangerous Deflection

Why is South Africa being subjected to baseless accusations of white genocide?

It is now South Africa’s turn to be confronted by the madness of the Trump circus. This time, Trump dimmed the lights during his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to showcase a series of videos supposedly supporting his claim of white genocide. The videos featured Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters, singing inflammatory songs about killing farmers.

This is typical manipulative behaviour from Trump, rooted in untruths. Malema does not govern South Africa and represents a fringe party that commands less than 10% support. Trump also claimed an image of white crosses were burial sites of white farmers when in fact they were erected as a protest. As It is now South Africa’s turn to be confronted by the madness of the Trump circus. This time, Trump dimmed the lights during his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to showcase a series of videos supposedly supporting his claim of white genocide. The videos featured Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters, singing inflammatory songs about killing farmers.

This is typical manipulative behaviour from Trump, rooted in untruths. Malema does not govern South Africa and represents a fringe party that commands less than 10% support. Trump also claimed an image of white crosses were burial sites of white farmers when in fact they were erected as a protest. As well as showing some pictures of South African farm killings, he also showed photos from a report in the Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming they were from South Africa.

The claim of white genocide has been repeatedly debunked, including by prominent white South Africans who refuted the claim in the meeting with Trump. The Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAU) estimates 50 people, across all races, are killed on farms and small holdings each year. This is deeply concerning but in a country with 26,000 criminal murders a year this is not extraordinary.

The key question, therefore, is: why is South Africa being subjected to baseless accusations of white genocide? The answer is simple. This is all about ongoing accusations of genocide in Gaza, and specifically South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel.

Photo Credit: Jaber Jehad Badwan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

We once again witnessed classic Trump resorting to smoke and mirrors. Trump showcases videos of speeches from a minor political party in South Africa claiming South Africa is implicated in genocide, while allowing Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to evade accountability for acts that have been labelled genocide by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among others. While Malema’s rhetoric is abhorrent, Netanyahu has an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court for directly authorising war crimes and genocide, not merely singing about it. Furthermore, the US gave Israel $17.9 billion in military aid between October 2023 to October 2024, according to the Costs of War Project at Brown University.

Yet hypocritically Trump chooses to spend time admonishing President Ramaphosa for a fabricated claim of white genocide, attempting to tarnish his reputation by linking him to the incendiary words of Malema who is from a different political party altogether.

But this is more than deflection or hypocrisy, it is dangerous. It won't be long before Netanyahu attempts to invoke double standards in the ICJ genocide case, despite the absurdity of such a comparison. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians continue to be killed and the wholesale destruction of Gaza downplayed.

It is critical we resist the pull of the political theatrics and return to the core issue: Trump’s government, alongside much of the West, is supporting and allowing genocide to occur in Gaza.

Published by Brandon Hamber on Substack and Medium, 27 May 2025.