Truth Notes: Kenya, Afghanistan, Canada

Interesting news stories on transitional justice from around the web…

From Kenya: Government, Kenya Human Rights Commission Disagree over ICC Investigation of Election Violence – When plans first surfaced in Kenya last summer for the creation of a Truth, Reconciliation, and Justice Commission, the primary debate centered on where responsibility would rest for the prosecution of those responsible for major human rights violations during the country’s post-election violence.  Would the TRJC specifically have power over this, would a Special Tribunal within Kenya be created, or would it be outsourced/seized by the ICC?  The TJRC was never a good option and the deadline for the Special Tribunal’s creation came and passed.  Thus, the ICC has stepped in and is preparing to prosecute – a step generally acknowledged as a necessary development, if not an outright positive one.  The Daily Nation profiled the major players in the ICC’s work in Kenya.

From Afghanistan: Mangled Shoes and Prayer Beads at Afghanistan’s ‘Holocaust Museum’ – While Afghanistan remains a long way from stability and even farther from the pursuit of justice for what has unfolded in that country throughout its recent history, the opening of this war crimes museum represents a clear step in the right direction.  The level of chaos and violence that has plagued the country makes documentation one of the greatest challenges – how can the lives lost or victimized be recorded and how can justice ever be achieved for them?  This collection of physical evidence and personal stories is a critical part of that process.

From Canada: New-Look Reconciliation Commission Settling into Winnipeg – While this is largely a rehash of the Canadian TRC’s struggles in getting off the ground, an important announcement comes at the end.  The TRC’s first national meeting will take place in Winnipeg from June 15-19.  This will be a critical moment for the commission – can it win a place in the national consciousness, or will it be another fumbled opportunity?