INCORE
guide to internet sources on Truth and Reconciliation
Version 3/02
(December 2002)
Contents
This list does not imply
an endorsement by INCORE of the views expressed in any of these sources.
At present, most of
the sources available on the internet relate almost exclusively to
South Africa, Rwanda, and Bosnia-Herzgovinia. There are a smaller
number of sources relating to the issue in Latin America. These will
be expanded as and when the material becomes available on the internet
- Prime
sources (A select list drawn from the categories below)
- Email
Lists and Newsgroups
- News
Sources
- Academic
Centers, Programs and Institutes
- Academic
Articles
- Various
sources
- Non
Governmental Organisations
This is a short list of
internet sources which have a lot of content relating directly to
truth and reconciliation. This list does not imply a recommendation
of the sources or an endorsement of the views expressed in any of
these sources. It is a select list drawn from the other categories
in this document.
- Truth
and Reconciliation Commission- South Africa
This is the official home page of the TRC. Updated daily, the site
provides quality information to the general public about the background,
role, and progress of the Commission to date. It offers extensive
material including
http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/index.html
- TRC
Final Report
Published in October 1998, the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission in South Africa consist of five volumes, each with its
own particular focus. Volume one discusses key concepts and debates,
volumes two and three address the commission of gross violations
of human rights, volume four addresses the nature of the society
in which gross violations of human rights took place, and the final
volume is a conclusion, based on analyses, findings and recommendations
of the Commission.
http://www.soz.uni-hannover.de/isoz/dokument.htm
- International
Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
This is the official UN site, although NOT an official Tribunal
site. It includes up-to- date information including,
http://www.un.org/icty/
- Centre
for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation-South Africa
The CSVR is currently affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg. Its aim is 'to utilise its expertise in building reconciliation,
democracy and a human rights culture within South African governance
and society'. Currently it hold a wide variety of material in relation
to truth and reconciliation including information relating to,
http://www.wits.ac.za/csvr/
- Yahoo's
Full News Coverage of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Yahoo's coverage is all-inclusive and extremely extensive. It offers
the most up to date news stories taken from a variety of sources,
and links to related news sources and relevant web sites. It is
updated on a regular basis.
http://headlines.yahoo.com/Full_Coverage/World/TRC/
- Human
Rights Watch International
An international NGO which has produced a number of substantial
reports relating to Truth Commissions, which can be ordered on-line
including
http://www.hrw.org
- The
Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor
launched its website at the beginning of 2002.
http://www.easttimor-reconciliation.org
- Dealing
with the Past Conference Papers
A 'Reconciliation Processes and Peace Building' conference was held
in Belfast on 8 - 9 June 1998. The papers presented deal with the
South African, Northern Ireland, and Guatemalan experiences.
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/home/publication/conference/thepast/index.html
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Email lists
- Tribunal Update is now
available via email. To subscribe:
Compose a message to MAJORDOMO@LISTSERVE.OMRI.CZ
In the body of the message, write
SUBSCRIBE TRIBUNAL-UPDATE FirstName LastName
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- Centre
for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation-South Africa
The CSVR is currently affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg. Its aim is 'to utilise its expertise in building reconciliation,
democracy and a human rights culture within South African governance
and society'. Currently it holds a wide variety of material in relation
to truth and reconciliation including information relating to,
http://www.csvr.org.za/
- INCORE's
Dealing with the Past Research
Incore's 1997/98 Tip O'Neill Fellow, Brandon Hamber, has conducted
extensive research on the subject of dealing with the past. The
research forms the basis of this site. The site includes the publication
of a book, 'Past Imperfect', edited by Brandon Hamber and other
academic articles. It also offers a guide to Internet Sources on
Truth and Reconciliation.
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/home/research/complete/dwtp.html
- Strategic
Choices in the Design of Truth Commissions
A collaboration of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School
and the European Centre for Common Ground, this website is designed
to guide countries in developing a Truth Commission that fits their
unique needs. The website uses lessons learned from the Truth Commissions
established in Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala and South
Africa to develop guidelines for future Truth Commissions.
http://www.truthcommissions.org
- United
States Institute of Peace Library
The website offers an updated list of Truth Commissions, as well
as supporting documents.
http://www.usip.org/library/truth.html
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- Dealing
with the Past Conference Papers
A 'Reconciliation Processes and Peace Building' conference was held
in Belfast on 8 - 9 June 1998. The papers presented deal with the
South African, Northern Ireland, and Guatemalan experiences.
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/home/publication/conference/thepast/index.html
- The
Need for a Survivor-Centred Approach to the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission
An examination of the two main discourses which exist concerning
survivors and their potential experience of the TRC.
Hamber, B. (1996), Community Mediation Update
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artrcdrt.htm
- Will
Reconciliation Follow Disclosure ?
Discusses the distinctions between individual and national reconciliation
needs.
Hamber, B. (1996), New Nation
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artrcbr.htm
- Reflecting
on the Truth: Has the media coverage of the TRC changed the way
the public sees itself, its history and its responsibility?
Hamber argues that despite a greater sensitisation to violations
of the past, entrenched beliefs remain and these will only change
gradually.
Hamber, B. (1997). Paper presented at The TRC and Human Rights Journalism
in South Africa Workshop.
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artcros.htm
- Truth:
The Road to Reconciliation?
Argues that 'it is a mistake to assume that story telling equates
with healing and that truth alone will lead to reconciliation.'
Hamber, B. (1997) Cantilevers: Building Bridges for Peace.
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artrcant.htm
- When
Should Society Tire of the Voices of the Past ?
A comparison of the situation in Brazil and Argentina, with South
africa.
Hamber, B. (1997) Mail & Guardian
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artrcbrz.htm
- Looking
into Africa's Past
Offers definitions of truth commissions, commissions of inquiry
into specific events and war crimes tribunals.
Rodwell, B. & Segal, L. (1996) Sowetan
http://www.csvr.org.za/articles/artrcaf.htm
- Truth
Commissions and National Reconciliation: Some Reflections on Theory
and Practice
Article by Charles O. Lerche, exploring the concept of reconciliation.
http://www.gmu.edu/academic/pcs/LERCHE71PCS.html
- For
All Its Flaws: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a Peace
Building Tool
Track Two article by Andries Odendaal, in which he reflects on the
paradoxes and lessons of the TRC process.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p04_flaws.html
- Blood
Feuds and Childbirth: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission as
Ritual
Track Two article by Fiona Ross, in which she assesses the TRC's
frameworks for creating a 'shared past' and its capacity for conflict
resolution.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p07_blood_feuds.html
- Facing
Our Shadow Side
Track Two article by Ampie Muller, in which he urges Afrikaners
to own up to their complicity.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p16_our_shadow.html
- Justice
That Restores: How Reparation Must Be Made
Track Two article by Russel Botman, in which he explores reparation
to victims of the Apartheid regime.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p17_justice.html
- Reconciliation:
The Road to Healing?
Track Two article by Tom Winslow, in which he explores to what extent
reconciliation does indeed heal.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p24_winslow.html
- Victims,
Perpetrators and Healers at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Being in the Same Boat
Article by Trevor Lubbe. The author worked for the South African
TRC and highlights some of the difficulties that have arisen during
the process.
http://www.human-nature.com/free-associations/lubbe.html
- Grappling
with the Past: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South
Africa
Article by Mark Hay, published in the African Journal in Conflict
Resolution. The article presents a discussion of the functioning
of the Commission and an initial assessment of its achievements.
Preliminary conclusions are given for the ongoing responsibilities
of respect, reparation and reconciliation.
http://www.accord.org.za/web.nsf/bba9cc339bae1fab42256a0d0048a4e4/
366c94856f56ec2a42256a0d003b3351!OpenDocument
- Truth Commissions Try To Put The Past To Rest
Discusses the criteria needed in order to have a Truth Commission.
By Tony Freemantle (1996) Houston Chronicle
http://www.chron.com/content/interactive/special/humanrights/rwanda/newc
ommission.html
- Healing
the Memory
Track Two article by Hannes Siebert, in which he interviews Father
Michael Lapsey and discusses his latest project 'Healing the Memory'.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p46_skills.html
- Restorative
Justice: When Justice and Healing Go Together
Article by Howard Zehr. Zehr argues that the TRC represents an attempt
to do justice restoratively, but an incomplete attempt. Only time
will tell whether the gaps will be fatal.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p20_restorative.html
- Truth
and Reconciliation Commissions: A Review Essay and Annotated Bibliography
Article by Trevor Avruch and Beatriz Vejarano, published in the
Online Journal of Peace and Conflict Resolution.
http://www.trinstitute.org/ojpcr/4_2recon.htm
- Selected
Reading on Truth and Reconciliation
Short list of resources, compiled by Sally Schramm for Track Two.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p43_resources.html
- Media
Creation: How the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Media
Have Impacted on Each Other
Short Track Two article by Anthea Garman.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p36_garman.html
- Not
a Legal Concept
Track Two article by Richard Penwill, reflecting on the TRC's capacity
for reconciliation.
http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/two/6_34/p27_penwill.html
- The
Truth and Reonciliation Commission: Human Rights and State Transitions
- The South African Model
Article by Patricia J. Campbell, written for the African Studies
Quarterly. Campbell poses the question whether the TRC is a viable
model for justice and reconciliation in a post-authoritarian society.
http://web.africa.ufl.edu/asq/v4/v4i3a2.htm
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- TRC
Final Report
Published in October 1998, the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission in South Africa consist of five volumes, each with its
own particular focus. Volume one discusses key concepts and debates,
volumes two and three address the commission of gross violations
of human rights, volume four addresses the nature of the society
in which gross violations of human rights took place, and the final
volume is a conclusion, based on analyses, findings and recommendations
of the Commission.
http://www.soz.uni-hannover.de/isoz/dokument.htm
- We
Will Remember Them
Report of the Northern Ireland Victims Commissioner, Sir Kenneth
Bloomfield, April 1998
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/issues/violence/victims.htm
-
International Internet Bibliography on Transitional Justice
An excellent ongoing database project which currently holds details
on about 1.500 recently published monographs, book chapters and
periodical articles relating to Amnesty, Reparation, Prosecutions,
Truth Commissions, International Criminal Tribunals, Victims, Perpetrators,
and Public Memory.
http://userpage.zedat.fu-berlin.de/~theissen/biblio/index.htm
- Truth
and Reconciliation Commission
This is the official home page of the TRC. Updated daily, the site
provides quality information to the general public about the background,
role, and progress of the Commission to date. It offers extensive
material including
http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/index.html
- Crime,
Justice & Race in South Africa: Truth & Reconciliation
This web site supplements the Justice Center course in Contemporary
Justice Issues --Policing & Race in South Africa, at the University
of Alaska Anchorage. It offer extensive information about the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa as well as links to
some other relevant sites.
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/just/just490/
-
Amnesty
and Truth Commissions
Panel discussion on amnesty and truth commisions, held by A. Ansell,
A. Boraine, K. Hite and A. Neier.
http://www.bard.edu/hrp/atrocities/panelsix.htm
- International
Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
This is the official UN site, although NOT an official Tribunal
site. It includes up-to- date information including,
http://www.un.org/icty/
- From
Madeness to Hope: the 12-Year War in El Salvador: Report of the
Commission on the Truth for El Salvador
In English, this document was released by the Commission in 1993.
http://www.usip.org/library/tc/doc/reports/el_salvador/tc_es_03151993_toc.html
- Agreement
on the Establishment of the Commission to Clarify Past Human Rights
Violations and Act of Violence that Have Caused the Guatemalan Population
to Suffer
In English, this agreement was signed in 1994.
http://www.usip.org/library/pa/guatemala/guat_940623.html
- Memoria
del Silencio
In Spanish, this report was written by the Historical Clarification
Commission, established in Guatemala in 1994.
http://shr.aas.org/guatemala/ceh/mds/spanish
- Rapport
de la Commission Nationale de Verite et Justice
In French, this is the report published by the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission of Haiti, established in 1995.
http://www.haiti.org/truth/table.htm
- Commission
of Experts
Established by the United Nations Security Council in 1992 in response
to reports of atrocities in the former Yugoslavia, the commission
issued its final report in May 1994.
http://www.his.com/~twarrick/commxyu1.htm
- Presidential
Truth Commission on Suspicious Deaths
Website of the Presidential Truth Commission on Suspicous Deaths,
established in 2000 in South Korea.
http://truthfinder.go.kr/eng/index.htm
- Uganda:
Legal Notice Creating the Commission of Inquiry into Violations
of Human Rights
The Commissions of Inquiry Act, outlining the mandate of the Uganda
TRC which was established in 1986.
http://www.usip.org/library/tc/doc/charters/tc_uganda.html
- El
Salvador: Mexico Peace Agreements - Provisions Creating the Commission
of Truth
1991 agreement creating the El Salvador TRC.
http://www.usip.org/library/tc/doc/charters/tc_elsalvador.html
- The
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2002
Act establishing the TRC in Sierra Leone.
http://www.usip.org/library/tc/doc/charters/tc_sierra_leone_02102000.html
-
United Nations Security Council Resolution 955
Document which recommended the establishment of the International
Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (8 November 1994)
gopher://gopher.undp.org:70/00/undocs/scd/scouncil/s94/955
- Amnesty
International USA Guatemalan Documents
Extract from a Country Report on Guatemala: 'The Right to Truth
and Justice'.
Includes an on-line order form
http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/guatemala/actions/peace_accords/
- Las Comisiones De La Verdad En Amˇrica Latina
Provides information in Espanol about Truth Commissions in Latin
America. There is an introduction and extensive reports about the
Truth Commissions in each of the following countries - Argentina,
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru. This information is followed-up
with a conclusion about how effective the Truth Commissions were
in South America.
http://www.derechos.org/nizkor/doc/verdad.html
- U.N.
Truth Commission Report on El Mozote
U.N. Commissions findings on the El Mazote massacre including a
summary of the case, action by the commission and its findings
http://www.parascope.com/articles/0197/el_moz05.htm
- The
(Secret) Truth Commission Files
Contrast publishes the reports which the Netherlands Institute for
Southern Africa (NIZA) presented to the Truth Commission in South
in November 1997.
http://www.contrast.org/truth/index.html
- East
Timor: Truth, Justice and Redress
An Amnesty International Country Report, published in November 1997
http://library.amnesty.it/isdocs/aidoc_everything.nsf/Index/ASA210811997
- The
Rettig Report
An on-line version of the Report of the Chilean National Commision
on Truth and Reconciliations. (In Spanish).
http://www.lakota.clara.net/derechos/resour.htm#rettig
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