This publication critically examines the processes and consequences of transitional justice mechanisms in relation to their potential psychosocial impacts on those individuals and communities concerned. It emphasises the role that people should ideally play in setting up and assessing transitional justice mechanisms, which would enable them to protect and enhance their own wellbeing. It also goes on to identify some of the gaps in the human rights perspective on transitional justice mechanisms that may result in further distressing the very people on whose behalf justice is being sought. The publication puts forward some recommendations on the principles that should guide the setting up and implementation of transitional justice mechanisms.