Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
March 26, 1997
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission next week turns the spotlight onto the victims of gross violations of human rights when it holds a national workshop to discuss proposals for assistance to victims.
The TRC's Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee - which has the task of developing recommendations to the Government on how victims should be helped - will hold a National Reparations Consultative Workshop in Johannesburg on April 3 and 4.
Last year the Committee unveiled proposals for urgent relief to victims. The latest draft of these proposals is at present being discussed with the Government with a view to fast-tracking those reparations which are needed urgently.
Now the Committee will change its focus and concentrate on developing its final recommendations. It aims at next week's consultation to table long-term proposals which would form the basis of reparations and rehabilitation for victims long after the Commission has closed down.
As a consequence the workshop will be of critical importance to how the country deals with the legacy of human rights violations long after the Commission has ended its work and the more spectacular revelations being made before the Commission have receded into history.
The workshop will be at the Gauteng Metropolitan Chambers, Civic Centre, Braamfontein. It begins at 9 am on Thursday April 3.
Inquiries: John Allen, 082- 452-7859