‘International human rights law recognizes that victims of gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law have the right to an effective remedy, including reparation. There is international consensus that such remedies and reparation must meet certain minimum legal standards, regardless of whether violations were committed as isolated instances, or on a massive scale. However, those standards are not always reflected in the political negotiations on the establishment of administrative reparations programs. It is time that the existing legal standards are specifically and authoritatively articulated in relation to administrative reparations programs. Such standards are important for domestic policy makers, victims’ groups, and the international community involved in advocating for and supporting such programs, and are crucial to ensure that victims’ rights are reflected in reality.’

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In this report, addressed to the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Reparations, Redress articulates realistic basic standards regarding the nature and the processes for delivery of reparations. It considers provision of reparations through both judicial and administrative mechanisms. The report points to the absolute necessity of designing reparations schemes that ensure recognition of victims, equal access to remedies, comprehensive scope, and victim participation in the design, implementation and monitoring processes. Provision of adequate infrastructure and oversight are indispensable prerequisites.