1. The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Use of its Documentation: An Analysis
- Author:
- Proscovia Svard
- Publication Date:
- 01-2022
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Social Science Research Council
- Abstract:
- This paper investigates the extent to which the documentation that was generated by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (SATRC) is being used to promote the healing of a post-apartheid society. Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) are considered a primary human rights tool for post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction. They investigate gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, uncover the truth, and promote forgiveness. In this regard, TRCs use restorative justice which focuses on the rehabilitation of perpetrators through reconciliation with victims. They offer a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their experiences in an endeavor to repair the social fabric damaged by violent or structural conflict.1 TRCs are expected to help post-conflict societies transition from a past of human rights violations to a democratic and peaceful post-conflict society where human rights are respected. TRCs, through the documentation they produce, make it hard for the perpetrators to deny the truth
- Topic:
- Apartheid, Discrimination, Reconciliation, and Truth
- Political Geography:
- Africa and South Africa