Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities

Date: 25 May 1994
Updated: 30 Sep 2019

In May 1994, Justice Richard Goldstone called for the establishment of a "truth commission" on Apartheid atrocities because "victims would not be able to forgive without openness". He said it was essential to expose the past as part of the healing process. This was brought into law in 1995 as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC is based on the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995

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How we know this

01Justice, 'Welcome to the official Truth and Reconciliation Commission Website', [online], Available at: www.justice.gov.za [Accessed on 24 May 2013]
02Goldstone Report,'Understanding the Goldstone Report', [online] Available at: goldstonereport.org [Accessed on 24 May 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0013165

South African History Online (2011) 'Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0013165 (Accessed: 29 August 2026).

South African History Online, Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0013165, (accessed 29 August 2026).

"Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0013165. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "Judge Goldstone calls for “truth commission” on atrocities." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0013165.