Dealing with the past and transitional justice: building peace through accountability

Key Points

• This work explores how truth and reconciliation commissions can effectively address issues of transitional justice.
• Analyzed experiences from South African and Sierra Leonean truth commissions.
• Formulated principles for the effective operation of truth and reconciliation commissions.
• Identified appropriate circumstances for implementing these commissions.
• Truth and reconciliation commissions can facilitate accountability and foster dialogue in transitional phases.
• They contribute to peacebuilding by addressing past injustices and enabling societal healing.
• The principles outlined can guide the implementation of future commissions.

Abstract