From Truth to Justice: How Does Amnesty Factor In? A Comparative Analysis of South Africa and Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) have emerged in the last few decades as a mechanism for a state to overcome widespread, grave, human rights violations. There are numerous approaches to a TRC all with an ultimate goal: that formerly warring factions, perpetrators, witnesses, and victims can move forward as a united people. I propose that the provision of amnesty is critical to the success of a TRC. I hypothesize that the form of amnesty chosen (i.e. blanket v. conditional amnesty) determines the revelation of truth and realization of justice, which in turn dictates whether a TRC can achieve reconciliation. To test this hypothesis, I use two case studies: South Africa, which has utilized conditional amnesty, and Sierra Leone which has employed blanket amnesty. I create a model for measuring reconciliation. I can then look at the implications of both types of amnesty and assess which, in the end, is more effective. My overarching conclusion is that the provision of conditional amnesty is more effective than blanket amnesty in achieving reconciliation. Ultimately, I hope that this conclusion can be generalized to other TRCs.

Die beiden letzten Meetings in der Royal Asiatic Society in London : nach dem Jews Chronicle

Meir ben David ha-Kohen Wiener

Parallelen aus der jüdischen Geschichte : Vortrag gehalten in London den 16. Juni für die englisch-jüdische historische Ausstellung im Saale des Royal Albert Hall

Heinrich Graetz

The rose of Castille : opera in three acts ; ... and performed in the presence of Her Majesty and the Court (by Royal command) on the occasion of the festival performances at Her Majesty's Theatre, in honor of the nuptials of The Princess Royal and The Prince of Prussia, January 21, 1858

the music (composed expressly for the Pyne and Harrison English opera Company) by M. W. Balfe. [Text] by A. Harris and E. Falconer

The songs, duetts, choruses, & c. in Fair Rosamond : a grand opera, in four acts ; performed, for the first time, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, February 28th, 1837

the overture, and the whole of the music, by John Barnett

Fidelio : or, constancy rewarded! ; an opera, in three acts, as performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane, by the author of the "Freyschutz", "The eagle's haunt" &c

[Ludwig van Beethoven]

Geschichte von Port-Royal : der Kampf des reformirten und des jesuitischen Katholicismus unter Louis XIII und XIV

Hermann Reuchlin

Léon Ponzio als Kunrad, Rollenbild, Brustbild, in: Richard Strauss: Feuersnot, Théatre Royal de la Monnaie

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F05816

Léon Ponzio als Kunrad, Rollenbild, Brustbild, in: Richard Strauss: Feuersnot, Théatre Royal de la Monnaie

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F05817

Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, L'Opéra de Frankfort-sur-le-Main, Les Noces de Figaro

Signatur des Originals: S 36/F07909

Chollet du Théâtre royal de l'Opéra Comique.

Signatur des Originals: S 36/G00628