Lessons Learned: Practical Lessons Gleaned from Inside the Truth Commissions of Guatemala and South Africa

Abstract

The truth commissions of South Africa and Guatemala were important in bringing global attention to the subject of truth-seeking. This article presents some of the key observations and recommendations made by commissioners and staff directly involved in these commissions about the official truth-seeking process which evolved in both countries. These reflections provide practical lessons as to the structure and mandate of the truth commission, data collection and public hearings, information management and reporting to the public, from which future commissions might draw ideas.