Human Rights and State Transitions: The South Africa Model

Abstract

Post-authoritarian regimes have struggled with the most appropriate way to deal with the former regimes’ human rights abuses.Several schools of though have emerged as to how this should be accomplished.Into this framework the South Africa model, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), is discussed.The TRC has completed its charge and the results vary according to one’s perception of that charge.An assessment of South Africa’s attempt at truth and reconciliation and the TRC’s viability as a model for other transitioning societies are discussed.