Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Truth and reconciliation commissions, often called truth commissions or commissions of inquiry, are official, nonjudicial bodies of a limited duration established to determine the facts, causes, and consequences of past human rights violations in a specific country over a specific period of time. Although some aim to “reconcile” past enemies, they are primarily concerned with exposing the truth as a means to address grievances rather than exacting justice. Although they have emerged as a way to handle transitional justice in postconflict situations, there is still little agreement on their efficacy.