Frequently Asked Questions

People are horrified to learn of gross atrocity crimes such as ethnic cleansing and mass rape, but many believe they are inevitable – some societies are doomed to suffer repeated cycles of violence and horror. At PEJ, we do not accept this.

PEJ was established to equip local actors to break these cycles. We collect stories and evidence using structured methods that withstand cross-examination and scrutiny and empower our partners with the same tools. Partners learn to use safe, secure methods to secure evidence so that malicious actors cannot evade justice or silence those whom they have harmed. We further equip our partners to assume the mantle of this work on their own through training and mentoring.

Only through accountability can we achieve lasting deterrence. At PEJ, we are overcoming barriers that prevent justice from being realized and striving to make the vision of universal human rights protections a reality.

PEJ’s approach is based on an understanding of the impediments that prevent justice from taking hold – and a systematic plan to surmount them. Our distinctive approach includes:

• Collaborative approach – working with partners as equals

• Hybrid teams of local and international experts

• Local teams linked to international expertise and institutions

• Finding secure evidence storage solutions to protect documenters, survivors, and witnesses

• End-to-end mentoring – walking partners through the whole justice process so they are empowered every step of the way as they achieve sustained positive change for human rights

• Access to international justice networks that pair local actors with the most powerful avenues for recourse

PEJ seeks to partner with local actors – to empower rather than impose. We only work in locations where we have been asked to contribute by survivors, their families, or local community members and where we have the appropriate expertise. While each PEJ program has its own inception story, PEJ is often invited by local actors who have heard of its respectful, collaborative approach and seek access to its international expertise and networks.

At PEJ, we believe the paths chosen on a journey influence its outcome. We accompany local partners as equals. PEJ listens, learns, and adapts. Our work is grounded in local norms while keeping universally accepted human rights at the forefront. By expediting justice for people everywhere, we elevate and liberate the human spirit.

501(c)3 organizations are nonprofit and non-governmental organizations incorporated in the United States of America that have tax-exempt status. United States citizens can make tax-deductible contributions to 501(c)3 organizations.

While PEJ is incorporated in the United States, our footprint is global. We work to prevent atrocity crimes and build universal human rights protections wherever they are absent.

Human rights are the intrinsic and inalienable rights that all people possess. They are outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and include, among others, life, liberty, and security of person; freedom from slavery; freedom from torture; and equal protection under the law.

The United Nations defines human rights abuses as violations of individuals’ civil, political, cultural, social, and economic rights. It defines atrocity crimes as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Other examples of atrocity crimes include ethnic cleansing, forcible use of child soldiers, using rape as a weapon of war, and denial of humanitarian aid.

Accountability is holding perpetrators responsible for atrocity crimes and human rights violations. At PEJ, we believe this is crucial to healing for survivors, deterrence and prevention, and universal protection of human rights.

Without evidence that is securely and safely stored according to internationally accepted standards, survivors cannot obtain legal redress. In addition, evidence that is not safely stored can put witnesses and survivors at risk of retaliation.

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Reach out to us at info@projectexpeditejustice.org if you have questions about how you can join us in our quest to end atrocity crimes and create universal human rights protections.