News

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In the news

12 March 2012
Article by Stefan Bogaerts on Social Goodwill in
Counselling Magazine, nr.1, 2012 Dutch information only

29 February 2012
Article by Jan van Dijk on victims' rights and the lack of longterm policy of the Dutch State Secretary for Safety and Justice Dutch information only

27 February 2012
[source: Brabants Dagblad]
Rianne Letschert is Professor of Victimology and International Law at Tilburg University. In a recent interview in the Brabants Dagblad she proudly points to the achievements of INTERVICT, the International Victimology Institute Tilburg, whose Deputy Director she is. “We’re relative newcomers and already we’ve put Tilburg and Tilburg University on the map of victimization research. Internationally, our advice is sought, and we’ve actively participated in writing new EU legislation in this area.”
In addition, Tilburg University is the only academic institution within the EU whose proposed Victimology Master program has been accredited, and it will start this September.

[source: Eindhovens Dagblad]
“I believe my work matters.”
“In Geneva I had the opportunity to address the United Nations, and Euro MPs and international lawmakers come to our institute for advice. Yes, I believe my work matters.”
“It has always been my ambition to do work that makes a difference.”
As a victimologist and as Deputy Director of INTERVICT, Professor Letschert lectures on and researches victimization from all possible angles: law, psychology, criminal liability, economics. “It is the diversity that makes victimology such a fascinating discipline. It has really deepened our understanding of what a victim goes through, and it is partly because of this progress that victims now have many more rights than before. Together with Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands is at the forefront of this advance.”
In international law, the scope of Professor Letschert’s research extends to genocide, civil wars and crimes against humanity. “A truly challenging area” she says. “For starters, I need to abandon my western outlook. Who am I to presume that my view of the law is superior to that of an African or a Muslim abiding by their time-honored systems of justice? Another thorny issue is that today’s victim of genocide may be tomorrow’s offender. How do we deal with that? And what about child soldiers: when do they stop being victims and become liable for their actions?”

7 February 2012
Video interview with Marc Groenhuijsen on victim support and risk assessment
More information Dutch information only

9 January 2012
Honors
Rianne Letschert has been awarded a honorary membership of the Spanish Fundación de Victimomologiá. The Fundación praises her briljant, professional and human trajectory in Victimology.

15 - 21 July 2012
Together Against Impunity in the Great Lakes Region (TAI/GLR) – Rwanda, is planning to hold a second study tour to Rwanda from 15th – 21st July, 2012. The aim is to educate participants about Transitional Justice mechanisms adopted after the 1994 genocide. The organizing committee is seeking applications from interested individuals. The deadline for application is 20th of May 2012.
The study tour is designed to clarify the complexities involved in re-building a society after a genocide, and will be comprised of two components: a literature study and a study tour. It will involve all stakeholders in Rwanda, visiting genocide memorial sites, solidarity camps, social- economic development initiatives and different crucial institutions involved in reconciliation efforts. In addition to Rwandan experience, the programme will include a roundtable session discussing other post-conflict situations in Africa, in particular the situation of Northern Uganda, Kenya, Southern Sudan and Ivory Coast.
Report study tour 2011
More information study tour 2012