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The Truth of Truth Commissions: Comparative Lessons from Haiti, South Africa, and Guatemala

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
The Truth of Truth Commissions: Comparative Lessons from Haiti, South Africa, and Guatemala
Abstract
This article identifies some of the complexities and factors shaping the efforts of truth commissions. It also evaluates the kinds of truths that truth commissions can most appropriately seek to determine. While truth commissions are often portrayed as generic bodies, they have very different approaches to the kind of "truth" they are seeking. Their official mandates, the perceptions and priorities of their commissioners and key staff, the methodological orientations utilized, and the level of resources available all shape the nature of their findings and the type of report they produce. In addition, decisions made by those working within a specific truth commission, sometimes without an understanding of their implications, often have important consequences for truth-finding. The analysis draws on the experience of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) Science and Human Rights Program in providing scientific and technical assistance to three recent truth commissions-the Haitian National Commission for Truth and Justice (CNVJ), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC), and the Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH) in Guatemala.
Publication
Human Rights Quarterly
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
1-43
Date
2001/02/01
Journal Abbr
Human Rights Quarterly
Language
English
Short Title
The Truth of Truth Commissions
Library Catalog
ResearchGate
Extra
Other Publications
Citation
Chapman, A., & Ball, P. (2001). The Truth of Truth Commissions: Comparative Lessons from Haiti, South Africa, and Guatemala. Human Rights Quarterly, 23(1), 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1353/hrq.2001.0005