Putting the Demons to Rest
The Two New Books on Confronting the Legacy of Human Rights Abuses
Dozens of countries must contend with a volatile legacy left by massive violations of human rights during wartime or under past repressive regimes. This brown-bag lunch discussion focused on two new books about confronting the legacy of human rights abuses. The event was webcast.
Priscilla Hayner has produced the most in-depth analysis of one option—examining 21 truth commissions around the world and drawing lessons for use in new transitions. Ruti Teitel's new book provides a comparative analysis of various legal approaches to the issue—trials, truth commissions, reparations, purges and constitutional reform—to provide a new conception of the role of law in transition. Research support for both books was provided by the Institute's Grant Program. Panelists: Moderator:
Author, Unspeakable Truths: Confronting State Terror and Atrocity (Routlege, 2000)
Author, Transitional Justice (Oxford University Press, 2000)
Media Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Communications by phone at 202.429.3828 or e-mail at usip_requests@usip.org.