Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Abstract

Truth commissions (TCs) are government-established bodies that investigate past human rights abuses. They address truth, justice and reconciliation in societies that have suffered from systematic human rights violations. The truth commissions in South Korea and Canada address human rights violations that occurred over a generation ago against their citizens. They differ from more traditional TCs in historical scope of the violations, and the difficulty of investigation. Despite their robust mandates, civil society's involvement and stable political situation, neither have been successful in creating reconciliation. South Korea's truth seeking efforts have the potential of reconciliation, but the political culture and continued tensions with North Korea limit the chance of a wider appeasement. Canada's legally mandated truth commission has successfully involved residence school survivors and worked to educate the public. Yet, this addresses only a part of the systematic human rights violations suffered by the indigenous populations since colonization-violations continue. Reconciliation of historical injustices takes a long time since they are not just part of citizens' memories, but part of the culture and education. This paper seeks to demonstrate, with a particular focus on South Korea and Canada, the importance of addressing historical human rights violations, and how despite their ambitious goals, TCs are often hampered by lack of political will to create real change.