What was one of the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in South Africa after the end of apartheid with the primary goal of fostering national unity and reconciliation. Documenting human rights abuses was a fundamental aspect of the commission's work because it aimed to uncover the truth about the atrocities committed during the apartheid era. By collecting testimonies from victims and perpetrators alike, the TRC sought to acknowledge the suffering endured by individuals and communities, thereby promoting healing and understanding across the nation. This focus on documentation was crucial in addressing past injustices and creating a historical record, which would serve as an important step in building a more just and equitable society.

Economic growth and the establishment of military tribunals were not primary focuses of the TRC; rather, its emphasis was on truth-telling and reconciliation. Furthermore, establishing apartheid laws would have run counter to the very purpose of the TRC, which was to move beyond the abuses of that system and towards a future of equality and human rights.