what role do truth and reconciliations commissions play in international justice?
A. Truth and reconciliation commissions can play an important role in international justice. They document human rights abuses, provide victims a forum in which to speak out about the crimes committed against them, and help foster a climate of national reconciliation. But truth commissions are not a substitute for justice in the form of full and fair prosecutions. Truth commissions are distinct from courts of law and do not normally determine individual criminal liability, subpoena witnesses or order criminal sanctions. In a number of instances, sweeping amnesties have been granted to perpetrators following the publication of a truth commission report. International law, however, demands that those responsible for grave human rights abuses be brought before a court of law and held criminally responsible.
