Dealing with the past: Experiences of transitional justice, truth and reconciliation processes after periods of violent conflict in Africa

Anika May's report for Conciliation Resources examines the issue of transitional justice processes in Africa.  It aims to help parters in northern Uganda to develop a mechanism for dealing with human rights violations and war crimes which is appropriate to the region.

The document firstly explores the emergence of international tribunals aiming to punish perpetrators and truth-seeking bodies wanting to support reconciliation.  It then provides an overview of how South Africa, Sierra Leone and Rwanda each approached transitional justice issues and it highlights the lessons to be learned in each case.  The study then summarises the key issues to consider when formulating a truth, justice or reconciliation process.