In the pursuit of accountability are there more appropriate mechanisms than prosecutions?

This thesis focuses on the fundamental tensions that exist between the interests of the post-conflict State and those of the 'international community'. Focus will be on the appropriateness of alternatives to prosecution, specifically, the use of amnesties and truth commissions, and whether such alternatives can satisfy the need for accountability. In international criminal justice, it is often argued the only route to accountability is through formal prosecutions. However, does holding an individual accountable require formal prosecution and punishment? And could accountability be achieved in general terms without prosecution of all possible suspects? I will argue that the extraordinary nature of crimes within international criminal law, coupled with context specific situations, means there can be no one size fits all approach to achieving accountability.