How can truth commissions contribute to peacebuilding, transitional justice and institutional reform in societies affected by state-linked violence? In this episode, moderator Kellye Richardson brings together host Dr. Al Fuertes, Carter School alumnus, Professor at the Carter School and Commissioner of the Philippine Truth Commission, with Dr. Christopher Magno, Professor at Gannon University and Director of the Truth Commission, and Father Flaviano Villanueva, Founder of the AJ Kalinga Center and a member of the Truth Commission. Drawing on their practical experience in conflict transformation, survivor support and truth-telling, they examine the Commission’s work documenting extrajudicial killings and related abuses associated with the war on drugs under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The conversation explores the relationship between credible documentation, human rights, accountability and the long-term work of social healing.

The discussion considers how truth-seeking processes can be designed to protect participants, respect informed consent and recognise the complex realities of trauma and grief. Dr. Fuertes, Dr. Magno and Father Villanueva address the challenges of assessing testimony alongside other accounts and evidence, particularly where official narratives and records are contested. They also explore the distinctions between forgiveness, reconciliation and justice, emphasising that these are related but separate processes that cannot be prescribed to survivors. For students and practitioners of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, transitional justice and human rights, this episode offers a grounded examination of how survivor participation can inform institutional learning, public policy and efforts to prevent future abuses.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Truth Commissions and Transitional Justice: The role of survivor-centred documentation in establishing a credible public record and addressing extrajudicial killings and related human rights abuses.
• Ethical and Trauma-Informed Research: How informed consent, safeguarding, active listening and respect for individual choices shape responsible truth-telling processes.
• Evidence, Testimony and Contested Narratives: The challenges of documenting lived experiences, examining conflicting accounts and confronting uncertainty when seeking an accurate historical record.
• From Truth-Seeking to Systemic Change: How testimony can contribute to public understanding, policy development, institutional accountability and long-term peacebuilding.

In Their Own Words:

• Dr. Al Fuertes: “The process must begin with all of the above.” — reflecting on the interconnected roles of truth, justice, forgiveness and the courage to listen.
• Dr. Christopher Magno: “Respect for us at the Truth Commission requires careful, credible documentations of their stories.”
• Father Flaviano Villanueva: “Peace building [...] begins with that genuine care that you want to offer something to a wounded world, to a wounded person.”