Transitional Justice and Socio-Economic Harm: Land Grabbing in Afghanistan

This book explores the widespread practice of land grabbing in Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of considering socio-economic issues in devising transitional justice mechanisms. It examines the eviction of over 250 people from the Sherpur neighborhood of Kabul by armed police officers, who distributed the land among 300 high-ranking government officials. The book argues that to decide on appropriate transitional justice mechanisms, it is crucial to consider a country's socio-economic background and the harm inflicted on people during periods of violent conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Maintaining the significance of socio-economic issues in devising transitional justice mechanisms, this book delves into the pervasive practice of land grabbing in Afghanistan. On September 3, 2003, a group of 100 armed police officers, accompanied by bulldozers, forcibly evicted over 250 people from their homes in the Sherpur neighborhood of Kabul, Afghanistan. Historically, the land in question was part of the property of the Ministry of Defense, which had allocated a specific zone for the ministry's employees who had constructed homes and resided there for nearly 30 years. However, following the demolition, the land was distributed among 300 high-ranking government officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, governors, and other influential warlords. Land grabbing has become a widespread phenomenon throughout Afghanistan.

To examine the relevance of transitional justice discourse and practice in response to this situation, the book conducted over 50 semi-structured interviews with key informants and engaged in group discussions with war victims and local experts in Kabul. Drawing from a critical criminological perspective focused on social harm, the book argues that it is insufficient to solely consider a country's political history of violent conflict and the violation of civil and political rights when determining appropriate transitional justice mechanisms. Rather, it is crucial to consider a country's socio-economic background, particularly the socio-economic harm inflicted on individuals during periods of violent conflict.

This original and comprehensive account of the socio-economic challenges faced by transitional justice mechanisms offers valuable insights to scholars and practitioners in law, politics, development studies, and criminology. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between socio-economic factors and transitional justice processes, the book contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of addressing past injustices and building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.

Weight: 557g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367681340