History
The Role of Civil Society in Transitional Justice Mechanisms
Quick fact
In South Africa's post-apartheid transition, civil society organizations like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's supporting network were vital in collecting over 21,000 victim statements, helping to shape the national record of apartheid-era abuses.
Why this is interesting
When a country emerges from war or dictatorship, who insists that the truth be told and justice be done? Often it is not the government, but the citizens themselves—organized into civil society groups.