The IJR’s interventions are carefully crafted, and decisions about programming are based on four components:

Themes – The IJR uses strategically chosen and relevant themes as lenses to highlight critical aspects of justice and reconciliation. For its 2021-2024 Strategy, IJR has identified five core and three cross–cutting themes, namely

  • Cross-border Dialogue and Regional Reconciliation
  • Anti-racism, Social Inclusion and Social Cohesion
  • Advancing Human Dignity and Bottom-up Reconciliation
  • Transitional and Survivor-centred Justice and Reconciliation
  • Socio-economic Justice and Inclusive Development

The three cross-cutting themes, Gender Justice, Youth and Environmental Justice, are applied across all interventions at the IJR.

Methodology – Since its inception, the IJR has used and applied various methodologies to work towards its vision of building fair, inclusive and democratic societies. Over the years, four key methodologies have emerged. The IJR has not only developed high levels of expertise in all four methodologies but has also discovered that an integrated approach maximises the impact and effect of the IJR’s interventions. These four methodologies are critical to achieving positive change successfully. They are:

  • Producing cutting-edge research and innovative analysis that generates new knowledge, insights and resources that contribute to policy processes.
  • Hosting critical conversations and dialogues as drivers of transformation.
  • Establishing networks for justice and reconciliation through training and capacity building.
  • Communicating key messages to advocate for change.

Geography – The IJR’s work is highly context-specific. Therefore, it is an essential part of the IJR’s strategy to carefully plan and select geographical focus areas on the African continent. Institutions across the globe increasingly demand the IJR’s insights and expertise. The IJR tries to accommodate those requests by entering into partnerships.

Partners/Stakeholders – Partners and stakeholders are vital to the IJR’s success. Partners are often the entry point to communities or challenging issues. The IJR seeks different types of partnerships and stakeholders to maximise the outcomes and results of its interventions.