El turno de la paz. Sudáfrica como paradigma de verdad y reconciliación en el escenario de posconflicto colombiano

Abstract

The right to the truth is one of the most important demands that exist in different processes of transition in the world. It is a fundamental element to reach a transition from violence to peace. Consequently, different mechanisms, such as truth commissions and judicial truth, can be used to satisfy the right to truth in a transitional stage. This paper makes a comparison of the transition process in South Africa and Colombia, especially in the way the right to the truth has been guaranteed in the two transition processes. From the South African experience, it is possible to find certain similarities and differences with respect to the Colombian case. In Colombia, nowadays there is a great debate in academic and political spaces as a result of the signing of the peace agreement between the Government and the FARC. There is division and uncertainty about the post-conflict phase that is looming. So at this crucial stage of the country's history it is pertinent to observe the experience of countries that have already overcome times of violence and have made a transition to peace. For instance, the South African case, its history and history of violence during apartheid and the way in which they could put an end to that regime and begin to build a new nation with the pillars of forgiveness, truth and reconciliation. This comparison aims to draw lessons from the South African transition process for possible application to the Colombian post-conflict scenario, highlighting the Ubuntu philosophy as a key element in South Africa's transition.