Unfinished stories: truth and justice in Africa

About this course

The course examines how societies investigate, acknowledge and prosecute serious injustices after conflict. It compares truth commissions and tribunals through cases including South Africa, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone, alongside international examples such as Nuremberg and the ICTY. Short lectures, group discussions and case-study activities address the roles of the United Nations and International Criminal Court, debates about truth, justice, reconciliation and amnesty, and the longer-term treatment of victims, historical memory and national recovery.

What you'll learn

• Explain the purposes and differences of truth commissions and tribunals.
• Identify major national and international examples and their aims.
• Analyse the dilemmas involved in pursuing justice after conflict.
• Discuss how post-conflict approaches affect reconciliation, peace and national memory.
• Evaluate current international efforts to address serious injustice.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for everyone, including complete beginners, and does not require prior knowledge of law, politics or history. Participants should have a good level of English to follow discussions and be prepared to listen respectfully and engage with sensitive subjects and differing viewpoints.

• No previous subject knowledge is required.
• The course involves group discussion and consideration of difficult histories.

Before you go

• All required materials are provided during the session.
• Optional reading is available, but no homework is required.
• Learners may bring a pen and paper or a digital equivalent for note-taking.