Survivors, perpetrators and social change : the role of the Truth Commission, with particular reference to South Africa

Sobrevivientes, perpetradores y cambio social: el papel de la Comision de la Verdad, con referencia particular a Sud Africa

This paper draws on the experience of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa to consider the positive and negative effects which such Commissions may exert on survivors and perpetrators. Illustrations are discussed in terms of survivors' responses to the process, in terms of catharsis; coming to terms with a range of loss and damage experiences; the apparent effects on self-concept; and the effects of various kinds of raised expectations, in comparison with the actual experience. Some responses of perpetrators are also explored and the implications for society at large are discussed. In particular the benefits of the process in the development of a broad Human Rights culture are considered.

It is argued that the positive value of focussing on human rights abuses quite separately from the political rights and wrongs of all sides, transcends any political or social divisions which may arise from impartiality in the Truth Commission. The issues of impunity and compromise are considered in relation to the broad social outcomes of the process. Finally, the role of social institutions, including education and the media, is considered from the point of view of 'inoculating' youth so that the past is not repeated.