The truth commission model inspires a positive reaction. Namely, the decisions to establish such commissions are inspired by past injustices and human rights crises. By examining them, their circumstances, reasons, and outcomes, societies can evolve past that and implement preventative measures. Thus, instead of reparations that may be allocated as a result of the truth commission model implementation, the actions that lead to suffering and negative consequences can be stopped before they have a negative impact. As a result, the model appears to have a beneficial connotation from the perspective of generating societal change, taking responsibility, and encouraging growth without escapism and a lack of accountability.
Two cases in which a truth commission has, indeed, been employed are in South Africa and in Maryland. The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission seeks reconciliation between perpetrators and victims of apartheid through transparency and reparations (The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, 2023). In the case of the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliations Center, the purpose of the organization is to research lynches motivated by racial differences (Home, 2023). In both instances, justice has not been served as the perpetrators are either dead, as in Maryland’s case, or can be forgiven if they confess, as in the case of South Africa. Nonetheless, while nothing can bring back the people who passed as a result of human rights crises, being transparent and remembering them, as well as the circumstances in which they suffered, brings awareness to their stories.
Truth commissions correlate with both strengths and weaknesses in regard to justice promotion. In regards to strengths, such commissions are transparent about events that have negatively impacted individuals. Moreover, generational trauma is acknowledged, which is always left out when it comes to the traditional justice system. On the other hand, truth commissions are implemented more for reconciliation and research rather than justice. Moreover, considering violent acts from the perspective of examination and reparations for victims rather than seeking legal justice by punishing perpetrators can be viewed as forgiving and minimizing.
References
Home. Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (2023). Web.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Apartheid Museum. (2023). Web.