FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

The Foundation for Human Rights’ Unfinished Business of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Programme works to ensure that cases involving Apartheid-era gross human rights violations for which amnesty was denied should be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. The programme currently supports more than 25 families of victims asthey seek truth and justice, and where possible, criminal accountability for the deaths of their loved ones.

The Foundation also supports these families in Constitutional Damages litigation against the South African government, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The case concerns the violation of the families’ rights caused by delays in investigating and prosecuting TRC cases. In addition, the programme supports families’ participation in the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations that these delays were caused by political interference. To facilitate these legal efforts, the programme draws on the expertise of Advocate Howard Varney who leads many of the legal cases in court, Retired Brigadier Clifford Marion who serves as an investigator, and network of law firms who act on a pro bono basis.

Beyond this legal work, the programme conducts high level engagements with the NPA, SAPS, and government departments to promote accountability and institutional reform, and contribute to strategic initiatives that advance truth, justice, and redress for apartheid-era violations. The programme also undertakes research, advocacy, and public awareness initiatives that situate South African transitional justice issues within broader international dialogues on truth, justice, and accountability in the aftermath of political violence and human rights abuses.