Mark Freeman, J.D. Closed Now

Mark Freeman, J.D., is an internationally recognized expert on transitional justice, human rights, and peace negotiations. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), a global think tank dedicated to supporting fragile and conflict-affected states in their transitions from conflict and authoritarianism toward peace, democracy, and inclusive development.

Freeman is widely respected for bridging the fields of transitional justice and conflict resolution. His work emphasizes the need to integrate truth, justice, reparations, and institutional reform into broader peace processes. Under his leadership, IFIT has advised governments, negotiators, and civil society actors in contexts such as Colombia, Tunisia, Libya, Myanmar, and Ukraine.

He is also a prolific author, best known for his books Necessary Evils: Amnesties and the Search for Justice (2010) and Truth Commissions and Procedural Fairness (2006). These works are considered essential references in the study of transitional justice, offering nuanced analysis of how societies balance accountability and peace in the aftermath of conflict. His scholarship combines deep legal expertise with practical insights gained from direct engagement in peace processes worldwide.

Before founding IFIT, Freeman worked with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), where he contributed to policy development and field programs across multiple continents. He has also collaborated with the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and other international organizations, helping shape global norms on amnesty, reconciliation, and negotiated settlements.

Freeman’s career reflects his belief that transitional justice is not only about addressing past atrocities but also about laying the legal and political foundations for sustainable peace. By combining research, policy innovation, and on-the-ground engagement, he has become one of the leading figures in shaping how transitional justice interacts with peacebuilding.