This policy brief discusses the central role of civic engagement and civil society in forging transitional justice mechanisms. Using international case studies, it outlines the general instruments of transitional justice and describes the role that civil society has played in this process. Case studies of different transitional justice programmes in Arab countries are provided, highlighting the different approaches adopted. The brief concludes with a list of recommendations for policymakers and civil society bodies alike, which underscore the necessity of active civil society participation in successful transitional justice processes.