HRC63: Transitional Justice Under Attack: Denialism, Negationism and Revisionism of Serious Violations of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
63rd session of the Human Rights Council
7 September – 9 October 2026
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
16 September 2026
Transitional Justice Under Attack: Denialism, Negationism and Revisionism of Serious Violations of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
By Beatirce Rattazzi/GICJ
“In the recent months a wave of denialism statements of serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations by state officials, politicians and other state actors have spread across various regions” stated Bernard Duhaime, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence as opening statement of the Interactive Dialogue on the promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of non-recurrence at the 13th meeting of the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council on 16 September 2026.
He highlighted how denialism is increasingly used to undermine transitional justice core pillars, propagate divisive narratives and erode democratic institutions and civic space. During the dialogue, delegations broadly welcomed the report. Many States raised concern over the falsification of history in the context of ongoing conflicts, while others reported obstacles faced by those documenting crimes, including attacks and intimidation. A recurring theme was the call for victim-centred approaches, the preservation of archives, and accountability for State actors who glorify perpetrators. Civil society representatives drew attention to the marginalisation of victims, gender-based violence and the shrinking space for human rights defenders.
The SR closed by urging States to implement the report's recommendations, stressing that truth is a vital safeguard against the recurrence of violations.
