Ambassador Yvette Stevens, Sierra Leone's first female engineer, reflects on her groundbreaking diplomatic career at the United Nations and her nation’s tumultuous journey to peace during and after the civil war (1991–2002). In this compelling episode, she delves into the complex dynamics of the Sierra Leone Civil War, the controversial Lomé Peace Accord, and the innovative Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Stevens shares her perspective on the delicate balance between peace and justice, revealing how the Special Court for Sierra Leone was established despite the Lomé Agreement’s amnesty provision. While Sierra Leonean citizens initially may have wished that more international resources were put towards reconstructing the country rather than to pursuing justice, the Special Court proved groundbreaking, achieving several firsts in international law, including:

• Prosecution of child soldier recruitment.
• Conviction of forced marriage as a crime against humanity.
• Prosecutions for attacks on UN workers.
• The first trial and conviction of a former head of state since Nuremberg.

Gain unique insights into Sierra Leone’s path to peace, the importance of gender-inclusive negotiations, and the enduring power of human rights as a cornerstone for lasting stability in this episode.

In this episode, Justice Richard Goldstone recounts his remarkable journey from working within the South African justice system to dismantle apartheid to serving as the first Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Rwanda (ICTR). He delves into the challenges of pursuing justice amid political resistance, from using judicial discretion to challenge oppressive laws and expose state-sponsored violence, to navigating the complexities of UN bureaucracy and funding constraints. Goldstone reflects on the groundbreaking impact of the ICTY on international law, including advancements in prosecuting gender-based crimes, and the enduring tension between peace and justice. His insights underscore the critical connection between justice, accountability, and sustainable peace.

In this episode, Hind Kabawat shares her recent experiences returning to Damascus after 14 years, reflecting on a nation scarred by war yet brimming with hope. Hind, a key figure in Syrian peace negotiations and a staunch advocate for women's inclusion, discusses the vital role women play in shaping Syria's future. From leading educational initiatives in refugee camps to advocating for transitional justice, Syrian women are rewriting their narrative as changemakers, not bystanders.

Hind delves into the challenges and opportunities of a future Syrian National Dialogue, highlighting the importance of gender equality, trust-building, and inclusive representation to ensure a sustainable peace. She emphasizes that women must be at the forefront—crafting policy, driving justice, and fostering dialogue—so Syria can achieve lasting stability.

Tune in to hear Hind's powerful insights on how Syrian women are leading the charge for justice, reconstruction, and a brighter future, proving that resilience and hope are unyielding forces in the face of adversity.

This episode is part of our Post-Assad Syria mini-series, where we speak with experts deeply involved in Syria’s peace processes. Together, we’ll reflect on lessons learned, explore the nation’s crossroads, and discuss how to seize this moment of change for a brighter future.

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Syria has entered a transformative moment. After over a decade of devastating civil war, the Assad regime has been overthrown, marking a seismic shift in the nation's trajectory. While this moment brings immense hope, it also presents profound challenges—rebuilding communities, addressing sectarian divides, and navigating the complexities of international dynamics.

In our latest mini-series, the Lawyering Peace Podcast dives into this pivotal moment for Syria. Through in-depth conversations with experts deeply involved in Syria’s peace processes, we reflect on lessons learned, explore the nation’s crossroads, and discuss what it takes to turn this moment of change into a foundation for lasting peace.