Truth Commissions

In search of the causes of violence, listening to the victims

Truth commissions in the field of transitional justice are pillars in the quest for truth in societies that have decided to confront dark periods of their history, whether after a conflict, a dictatorship, or specific crimes committed, for example, against an indigenous population. Justice Info covers truth commissions when they play a significant role in addressing the most serious crimes of the past.

Norway on the road to reconciliation with the Sami indigenous peoples, Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns for its “Norwegianization politics” in the past. Photo : traditional dwellings of the Sami people - set up in front of the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.

5 min 59

The beginning of Norway’s reconciliation process

On November 12, the Norwegian Parliament apologized to the Sami, Kven, Norwegian Finns and Forrest Finns for its “Norwegianization politics” in the past. It also acted on the report and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Three scholars explain what came out of this long-awaited reckoning.

By Astrid Nonbo Andersen + Amalie Drage Habbestad + Astri Dankertsen