Human rights violations are often particularly severe in societies that are undergoing significant political, social, and economic transformations. Improving human rights practices in transition societies should therefore be a central goal for domestic reformers and the international community. This makes sense not only because of the intrinsic value of improved human rights protection, but also because of the indirect effects that such improvements have on democratization, economic development, and conflict resolution. This book, a joint effort by political science, sociology, law, and regional studies scholars from various parts of the world, explores the contemporary international human rights regime, the factors predominantly responsible for human rights violations in transition societies, long-term consequences of such violations, and political remedies.