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Putting the Demons to Rest

The Two New Books on Confronting the Legacy of Human Rights Abuses

Date: Thursday, January 25, 2001 / Time: 7:00am - 9:00am 

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Dozens of countries must contend with a volatile legacy left by massive violations of human rights during wartime or under past repressive regimes. This brown-bag lunch discussion focused on two new books about confronting the legacy of human rights abuses. The event was webcast.

Priscilla Hayner has produced the most in-depth analysis of one option—examining 21 truth commissions around the world and drawing lessons for use in new transitions.

Ruti Teitel's new book provides a comparative analysis of various legal approaches to the issue—trials, truth commissions, reparations, purges and constitutional reform—to provide a new conception of the role of law in transition.

Research support for both books was provided by the Institute's Grant Program.

Panelists:

  • Priscilla Hayner, Independent Researcher
    Author, Unspeakable Truths: Confronting State Terror and Atrocity (Routlege, 2000)

  • Ruti G. Teitel, Professor, New York Law School
    Author, Transitional Justice (Oxford University Press, 2000)

Moderator:

Media Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Communications by phone at 202.429.3828 or e-mail at usip_requests@usip.org.

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