Based primarily on the South African experience, this discussion paper will attempt to offer a broad analysis of some of the key challenges faced by societies emerging from intense conflict, or making the often painful transition from autocratic rule to…
This paper explores the interplay between the factors of psychological support, government strategies and socio-economic development in the reparations process and the contradictory and inherent difficulties of trying to make amends for past wrongs in post-apartheid South Africa. The competing…
This article focuses on survivors' perspectives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It probes their feelings, thoughts and views both before and after interacting with the Commission. Their feelings and opinions about issues such as justice, punishment and amnesty…
The aim of this report is to examine the 'Healing of Memories' (HOM) process as one intervention in the larger discourse around truth and reconciliation in South Africa since 1994 until today. HOM workshops present one of the few institutionalised…
This report documents this ongoing tension between independence and accountability as it affects the magistracy. It does so through three case studies that can be framed as encounters with the independence-accountability issue: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the lay…
This report examines the relationship between Peace/Conflict Resolution Organisations and the TRC. Based mainly on interviews with NGO and TRC staff, the report outlines the various ways that NGOs participated in the development of the TRC legislation and engaged with…
