FOREWORD With the publication of Reparations Programmes and Maximizing the Legacy of Hybrid Courts, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations system’s lead entity on transitional justice, launches the second part of its series of transitional justice tools for post-conflict States. These publications are meant to help develop sustainable institutional capacity within United Nations missions, as well as to assist transitional administrations and civil society to better craft their responses to transitional justice needs. Countries emerging from conflict often suffer weak or non-existent rule of law, inadequate law enforcement, insufficient capacity in the administration of justice, and increased instances of human rights violations. This situation is often exacerbated by a lack of public confidence in State authorities and a shortage of resources. In the wake of conflict or authoritarian rule, reparations programmes are essential in the delivery of justice to victims of human rights abuses. Our tool on this subject is intended as a practical guide to assist with implementing effective reparations programmes. Grounded in international human rights standards and inspired by best practices, Reparations Programmes provides the indispensable information required to target interventions with regard to reparations programmes. Its goal is not dictating strategic and programmatic decision-making, since this must be shaped in the field as an appropriate response to specific circumstances and environments. Reparations Programmes, jointly with the parallel publication of Maximizing the Legacy of Hybrid Courts, builds on our previous series, which we released in 2006. The first series included Mapping the Justice Sector, Prosecution Initiatives, Truth Commissions, Vetting and Monitoring Legal Systems. Each of these tools can stand on its own, but also fits into a coherent operational perspective. The principles used in these tools have been primarily garnered from previous experience and lessons learned in United Nations operations. In line with its engagement in transitional justice policy development and responding to requests from the United Nations system, particularly its field presences, as well as other partners, OHCHR will continue to develop rule-of-law tools. I would like to take this opportunity to express both my appreciation for the feedback received from our partners thus far and my gratitude to all those who have contributed to this important initiative. Louise Arbour United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights v