Benefit or Burden: Victims' Reflections on TRC Participation.

Abstract

This research contributes to the expanding literature on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by focusing on the experiences of victims/survivors who participated in the TRC process. Lengthy semistructured interviews were held with 30 Black South African victims who engaged the TRC process. Qualitative analysis indicated that a small number of those interviewed viewed it as a positive and empowering experience, although for many others it appeared to be a painful and disempowering process filled with unmet expectations and promises. Discussion of the implications of survivors' responses emerging from the thematic analysis and suggestions for improving future policies pertaining to survivors' participation in such TRC mechanisms are offered. The importance of considering the cultural applicability and adaptability of terms such as amnesty, used in transitional justice scenarios, is also highlighted.

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