Creating Space to Legitimize and Dignify the Personal Experiences of Victims

Peru’s Transition to Democracy

In 2000, Peru began a new journey toward democracy after the fall of an authoritarian and corrupt government. Responding to demands for justice, the transitional government created the TRC. Its primary task was to clarify the events and circumstances behind the internal armed conflict from 1980 to 2000. The Commission also aimed to identify those responsible for the countless human rights violations during that period.

On August 28, 2003, after two years of public engagement, the TRC released its final report. This report altered the official narrative of the violence in Peru. It documented thousands of killings and humiliations while exposing the culture of silence and impunity. The report also highlighted systemic exclusion and racism, with 75% of victims from the indigenous population. The TRC emphasized an urgent need for institutional reform, reparations for victims, and justice for crimes against humanity.

The Introduction of Public Audiences

The TRC introduced Public Audiences, where victims or their family members shared their stories. These formal sessions allowed victims to speak before a group with the ethical authority of the State. Unlike other truth commissions, these sessions focused on restoring dignity and citizenship, rather than investigating the crimes.

Victims were fully aware that the public, including media and international guests, was listening. This validation gave victims a sense of personal vindication. Their experiences, once hidden, were now shared with a national and global audience.

The Public Audiences had a deep effect on Peruvian society. Personal stories carried much more emotional weight than official reports. The testimonies exposed the horrors of the conflict in a way that no Peruvian could ignore. By listening to hundreds of these stories, the nation began to understand the full scope of the atrocities.

The TRC’s work also led to the rise of victim organizations. Before the TRC, there were fewer than ten such organizations. By the end of the process, there were 190. These groups play an important role in advancing the national agenda of justice and reparations. They also reflect increased awareness of citizens’ rights.

Civic Awareness and Limitations

Although the Public Audiences raised civic awareness and restored victims’ dignity, they were not enough to drive societal change on their own. They were a critical first step but did not address the underlying issues that caused the conflict. Nonetheless, they initiated a process that has continued to evolve.

In conclusion, the TRC and its Public Audiences pioneered a new approach to transitional justice. They provided a platform for victims to reclaim their voices and encouraged public recognition of the need for justice. While they started a necessary process, more must be done to address the deep-rooted problems that led to Peru’s conflict.

For more information on this tactic, read our in-depth case study.

What we can learn from this Tactic:

From Peru's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), we can learn the power of giving voice to victims through public platforms like the Public Audiences. This tactic validates personal experiences, fosters public empathy, and creates a sense of collective responsibility. It could be applied in other post-conflict or human rights contexts to address systemic abuses, offering a space for marginalized voices. Whether addressing racial injustices, gender violence, or environmental exploitation, such platforms can help communities recognize hidden harms and push for reparations, healing, and institutional reforms, thus catalyzing long-term societal change.