Victims on the truth commission : the reparation of victims of human rights abuses in South Africa
Document Type
Presentation
Source Publication
101st American Political Science Association Annual Meeting in Nation's Capital Focuses on Mobilizing Democracy
Publication Date
9-1-2005
Publisher
American Political Science Association
Keywords
conflict resolution, transitional justice, truth commission, victims of political violence, South Africa
Abstract
The evaluation of truth commissions from the perspective of the victims often produces conflicting results, depending on view that researchers hold about the purported needs of the victims and the effects of such commissions. This paper introduces the concept of 'victims' deficiencies' to replace the vague concept of 'needs' and hypothesizes that the Commissions have an economic effect. The framework is applied to the assessment of the paradigmatic Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. It utilizes data drawn from our interviews with 60 victims conducted in South Africa during 2003-04. The concept of victims' deficiencies and the identification of economic effects help refine the assessment of the impact of truth commissions on a fairly heterogeneous population of victims. These provide guidance for further evaluative research in the area of transitional justice.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
David, R. (2005, September). Victims on the truth commission: The reparation of victims of human rights abuses in South Africa. Paper presented at the 101st American Political Science Association Annual Meeting in Nation's Capital Focuses on Mobilizing Democracy, Washington, D.C.