The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will soon take steps towards the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as part of the countrys political transition, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUC) said Thursday.
A four-day national collaborative meeting will open on 25 February with the participation of representatives of the DRC Government, local civil society, the office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their local partners.
Those attending will be informed about and sensitized to the concept of such commissions, which are generally independent, non-judicial bodies sanctioned by the State to operate for a temporary period in the context of political transition with the aim of promoting reconciliation by shedding light on past violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
South Africa established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission after apartheid, placing archbishop Desmond Tutu as its chairman.
Kilde: FNs Nyhedstjeneste
