Exploring Truth Commission Recommendations in a Comparative Perspective: Beyond Words Vol. I

This double volume project provides the first systematic study of the formulation and implementation of the recommendations of thirteen Latin American truth commissions. It examines the variations in truth commission recommendations across 13 Latin American cases and explores how the nature of these recommendations themselves, along with the political, social, and economic context in which they operate, influence which recommendations are implemented.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2022
Publisher: Intersentia Ltd

The recommendations made by truth commissions hold immense significance in shaping their legacies, yet there has been limited research dedicated to examining their ultimate outcomes. To address this gap, this groundbreaking double volume project presents the first comprehensive study of the formulation and implementation of recommendations by thirteen Latin American truth commissions. Conducted through extensive fieldwork, this project offers a unique perspective on the variations in truth commission recommendations across 13 diverse cases.

In Beyond Words Vol. I, the authors delve into the intricate dynamics within truth commissions, exploring how their internal workings, alongside the political, social, and economic contexts in which they operate, influence the formulation of recommendations. They shed light on how the nature of these recommendations, coupled with these contextual factors, shapes the likelihood of their actual implementation. The conclusion reflects on the findings' relevance for crafting future truth commission recommendations and considers how the formulation and implementation of these recommendations shape the impact of truth commissions on societies emerging from periods of violence and repression.

In addition to the comprehensive analysis in Vol. I, Beyond Words Vol. II is a remarkable collection of 11 in-depth country studies. Each chapter provides a brief background to the respective truth commission, delves into the detailed formulation of its recommendations, and analyzes the implementation record of these recommendations, considering the actors and factors that have either aided or hindered the implementation process.

This double volume project is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of truth commissions, offering valuable insights into the processes and outcomes of these important institutions. It will be of immense interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists working in the field of transitional justice, as well as those who seek to understand the complexities of addressing past human rights rights violations and promoting social healing in societies.

ISBN-13: 9781839701788