This is the first law book devoted entirely to the subject of truth commissions. The book sets forth standards of procedural fairness aimed at protecting the rights of those who come into contact with truth commissions – primarily victims and their families, witnesses, and perpetrators. The aim of the book is to provide recommended criteria of procedural fairness for five possible components of a truth commission’s mandate: the taking of statements, the use of subpoenas, the exercise of powers of search and seizure, the holding of victim-centered public hearings, and the publication of findings of individual responsibility in a final report (sometimes called the issue of ‘naming names’). The book draws on the experience of past and present truth commissions, analogous national and multilateral investigative bodies, and international and comparative standards of procedural fairness.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘The text offers a comprehensive overview of the commissions that have taken place thus far; the footnotes are extensive and provide the reader with a treasure trove of information. … The author’s depth of knowledge is reflected in the diversity of the issues he highlights including some that might not have occurred to a non-expert … This book will be a useful addition to university libraries and to the collections of those engaged in research relating to transitional justice. It is well-researched, highly readable and contains a vast array of source material.’ Australian Yearbook of International Law
Book Description
This book examines notions of procedural fairness applicable to truth commissions.
About the Author
Mark Freeman is a lawyer and independent consultant on human rights issues affecting states in democratic and post-conflict transition. In the past year he has conducted missions to South Africa, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. He recently co-authored International Human Rights Law (2004) and is currently a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa Law Faculty. He has published extensively on a variety of human rights topics in leading law and policy journals. He is former Senior Associate at the International Center for Transitional Justice.
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