Editorial Note: The Myth of Closure, the Illusion of Reconciliation: Final Thoughts on Five Years as Co-Editor-in-Chief.

The author reflects on the status of transitional justice worldwide. He believes that the development of an international response to serious violations of international humanitarian law has led to the universal application of a system of retributive justice. He also contends that it is vital to stop repeating the assumptions about reconciliation, closure, and justice for the attainment of social and justice reconstruction.