Vetting

Abstract In the transitional justice literature, vetting has a prominent place and is the most frequently discussed measure to prevent the recurrence of abuses. This chapter situates vetting in the framework of jus post bellum and argues that vetting can contribute to a variety of distinct aims and hence, appeals simultaneously to various concerns and audiences. The chapter moves to describe the many reasons why vetting processes can fail and have failed, and cautions against a myopic approach to vetting that fails to link vetting to related processes. It concludes arguing that vetting can fulfil the high expectations often placed onto it only if basic rights are respected in the process, if done within a reasonable timeframe and with proportionate resources, and if embedded in a comprehensive prevention strategy.