Truth commissions, the European Union and reparations from business

Abstract

Truth and reconciliation commissions are an increasingly common mechanism used in post-conflict or transitional societies. These commissions might act as means of accountability, establish a record of past events, help individuals and society come to terms with a repressive past, and make recommendations for reparations for victims. This essay begins by briefly exploring the purpose, powers and processes of truth commissions. It then turns to examine the relationship between the European Union and such truth commissions. Thus far, this has largely involved the European Union playing the role of financial donor. While the principal focus of these truth commissions has been on situations outside of Europe, some of their findings have highlighted the role played by European interests during the respective conflicts or eriods of repression. The involvement of business in violations of human rights or humanitarian law is specifically examined. In the final section, the essay considers the recommendations of truth commissions regarding reparations from complicit companies and assesses possible implications for the European Union.