Abstract
This empirical study examines the impact of epistemic injustice on child soldiers
while exploring the potential of the Baraza structure – a local jurisprudence in the
Democratic Republic of Congo – to pursue the “the best interests of the child” principle,
particularly in the process of holding young soldiers accountable. Epistemic injustice,
conceptually developed by Miranda Fricker, consists of “testimonial injustice”, when
the hearer gives a deflated level of credibility to a speaker’s word due to prejudice;
“hermeneutical injustice”, which takes place when a structural breach in collective
interpretive imagination resources unfairly disadvantages a person or social group
when trying to render intelligible their social experiences; and “distributive epistemic
injustice”, which happens when “epistemic goods” (education and information) are
inequitably distributed. The research outcomes suggest that Baraza jurisprudence
has the potential to avert epistemic injustice, and to promote a non-discriminatory
treatment of accused former child and adolescent soldiers.
Kiyala, J. C. K. (2021). Responding to Epistemic Injustice against Child Soldiers. The International Journal of Children’s Rights, 29(3), 662-700. doi:10.1163/15718182-29030006
© koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2021 | doi:10.1163/15718182-29030006