CSVR | CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF VIOLENCE AND RECONCILIATION

African countries have a wealth of experience in implementing truth commissions and adapting them to their national contexts, spanning several decades. As noted in the 2019 African Union Transitional Justice Policy, truth commissions are an indicative element of transitional justice. They are “legal bodies established to examine and address violations and abuses. They also serve to establish a full historical record of such violations, including the various experiences of different groups such as women, children and youth, the identity of the victims and perpetrators, as well as the role of various State and non-State institutions, and to provide for measures of reconciliation and healing.”

For each truth commission, when available, this database includes the commission’s mandate, method and year of establishment, period active and final report. It also includes the conflict period as defined in the mandate and the peace agreement that gave rise to the commission. The database was updated in 2023.

Mauritius

Mauritius

Truth and Justice Commission

The Truth and Justice Commission of Mauritius (2009-2011) was created through the Truth and Justice Act in 2008. According to its founding legislation, the commission was tasked with gathering information about the effects of slavery and indentured servitude in the country from the colonial period until the creation of the commission. The commission sought to determine appropriate reparations for the decedents of those directly impacted by slavery or indentured servitude. It was also given the responsibility of investigating complaints made by citizens regarding any piece of land in which they claimed to have an interest. Finally, the commission was to present a final report on all its findings to the president of Mauritius, which it did in 2011.

Established Conflict Period
Mandate Final Report Peace Agreement
2009, by legislation 1638-2009 Truth and Justice Commission Act No. 28 of 2008 2011 Final Report Vol. 1; Vol. 2; Vol. 3; Vol. 4
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