Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa) The Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a court-like restorative
justice body assembled in South Africa after the abolition of
apartheid. Witnesses who were identified as victims of gross
human rights violations were invited to give statements about
their experiences, and some were selected for public hearings.
Perpetrators of violence could also give testimony and request
amnesty from both civil and criminal prosecution. The TRC, the
first of the nineteen held internationally to stage public
hearings, was seen by many as a crucial component of the
transition to full and free democracy in South Africa. Despite
some flaws, it is generally (although not universally) thought
to have been successful. Creation and mandate The TRC was set up
in terms of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation
Act, No. 34 of 1995, and was based in Cape Town. The hearings
started in 1996. The mandate of the commission was to bear
witness to, record and in some ca