Democratic Republic of the Congo

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Commission Verité et Réconciliation) (2003-2007) was mandated to investigate human rights violations committed from 1960 until the end of the transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to its founding legislation, the objectives and responsibilities of the commission included consolidating national unity, cohesion and social justice; restoring the truth about the political and socioeconomic events that occurred in the country; investigating the nature, causes and extent of political crimes and human rights violations committed by both Congolese and foreigners in or outside the national territory; identifying individuals and groups responsible for committing violations; identifying victims and determining the extent of damage suffered; training its members in the techniques of peaceful conflict resolution and transformation; and preparing a comprehensive report on its activities, findings and recommendations on reparations and rehabilitation for victims; the acceptance or rejection of individual or collective requests for amnesty; and reforms to prevent the repetition of human rights violations.