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(iPoster) Impact of Truth-Telling in Truth and Reconciliation Commissions on Forgiveness
Fri, September 12, 2:00 to 2:30pm PDT (2:00 to 2:30pm PDT), TBAAbstract
Conflicts and atrocities, which have become a significant feature of the international system, leave deep scars on societies, stemming from the pain and trauma experienced during and after such violent events. Beyond the visible destruction, such as damaged property, injuries, and loss of life, there is an often-overlooked yet equally devastating psychological toll on victims (Hutchison & Bleiker, 2008). Those who have directly experienced conflict often carry the weight of traumatic memories, which can leave lasting effects, making it difficult for them to lead fulfilling lives or contribute positively to their communities (Gibson, 1996). Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue while striving to rebuild their lives and reconcile with their past is crucial for restructuring these societies after these violent acts (Horowitz, 1998). Therefore, it is essential for international society, scholars, and these conflict societies to increasingly focus on developing interventions aimed at curbing these conflicts by looking at whether the truth and reconciliation set up during reconciliation processes help victims to forgive one another, which aids in the psychological recovery of the people and the restructuring of these societies after Conflict and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. This paper examines whether the Truth and Reconciliation Commission contributes to promoting forgiveness among victims of conflicts and their perpetrators by drawing experiences from the Liberia and Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. It assesses the tension between the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and their effectiveness in promoting forgiveness and achieving lasting peace. The central argument is that proper reconciliation cannot be achieved without a critical look at the psychological impact of Conflict, which is individuals forgiving one another.