Evaluating Truth Commissions: Lessons from Guatemala & South Africa
A witness taking the oath before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Photo Credit: Steve Crawford)
The report and conclusions of the Guatemalan national truth commission (officially known as the Commission on Historical Clarification) have just been released. The Commission was established under the peace accords that concluded the 36-year long civil war. This panel will review the work of the Guatemalan Commission, and compare its work to other truth commissions. Some questions to be addressed include:
- How effective are Truth Commissions?
- What is the impact of determinations regarding acts of genocide and other abuses suffered?
- How does the Guatemalan experience contrast with that of other truth commissions?
- What should the next steps be?
- What are the lessons for other war-torn societies?
The presentations were followed by questions from the floor.
Speakers
- Patrick Ball
Methodological Advisor, Guatemalan Commission - Neil Kritz
Director, Rule of Law Program, U.S. Institute of Peace - Jan Perlin
Former Legal Advisor and Director of Documentation Center, Guatemalan Commission - Paul Van Zyl
Former Executive Secretary, South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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