Diaspora Communities in Transitional Justice. Analysing truth seeking measures with a case study on Argentina.

Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the present proposal aims to investigate the role of diaspora communities in transitional justice (hereinafter TJ) processes in order to contribute to a better understanding of the underexplored relationship between TJ and forced displacement. The first aim of the study is to examine the place of diaspora specifically in truth –seeking measures: how and to what extent these measures, particularly those related to the acknowledgment of experiences and victimization, could have a significant value for diaspora populations as both appropriate channels for diasporic activism and as significant forms of symbolic reparation. Grounded on the findings of the case study in the context of theoretical approaches to TJ and Criminology, the second aim of the research is to develop research recommendations concerning the role that TJ could have in addressing diaspora justice concerns. The empirical and fieldwork component of the research will engage Argentine diaspora members (specifically in Italy and Belgium) which were forcibly displaced due to the dictatorship persecutions. A third research aim derives from the theoretical approach of the research that wants to contribute to the understanding of the linkage between Criminology and TJ, by exploring potential interactions of both disciplines in addressing the complex dynamics underpinning forced displacement. It will explore, on the one hand, how forced displacement falls within the criminological understanding of crimes (international and state crimes). On the other hand, the research wants to gain a better insight into the perception of displaced persons of their past experiences by bringing the angle of TJ into the criminological discourses on refugees.