The Survivor Factor in Reparations for Transitional Justice

The triage required to aid surviving victims to overcome the lasting effects of capture and torture is but one beginning point in reparations. Returning goods, making services available, and the payment of lost wages become parts of the reparation process. In addition, rights may be restored to victims. This process of reparations assumes that the victim can reenter society and resume routine activities without notable change or loss. They should enjoy as many rights and privileges as they had previously, or more. Former victims should attain ethical parity with other members of society. Earlier we discussed the coordination of survivors’ reentry into society. Now we shall examine how their experience has impacted their social standing. Upon their reentry into society surviving victims should not return to a state of oppression if reparations are effective. Thus, in addition to reclaiming a victim’s net worth, reparations should restore health and social status. The surviving victim should be reimagined as a person with intrinsic worth and positive rather than negative social utility.