L'Inusuale Istituzione delle Commissioni per la Verità nelle Democrazie Occidentali: I Casi del Canada e dell'Australia ​

This dissertation explores the peculiar establishment of truth commissions in consolidated democracies, focusing on the cases of Canada and Australia. Traditionally, truth commissions have been associated with countries transitioning from authoritarian regimes or emerging from periods of conflict. However, the emergence of truth commissions in consolidated democracies raises intriguing questions about their purpose, scope, and effectiveness in these contexts. Through a comparative analysis, this study examines the factors that led to establishing truth commissions in Canada and Australia, two countries known for their stable democratic systems. It investigates the historical, social, and political contexts that compelled these nations to confront their dark pasts and acknowledge historical injustices towards Indigenous people. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on political science, law, and transitional justice studies. It explores the motivations behind the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Canada, which addressed the Indian Residential School system, and the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s investigation into the Stolen Generations in Australia, which examined the forced removal of Indigenous children. By analysing primary and secondary sources, including government reports, legal documents, and testimonies, the study evaluates the impact and legacy of these truth commissions within their respective societies. It assesses the extent to which truth-telling, acknowledgement, and reconciliation was achieved and the broader implications for justice, healing, and social transformation. Furthermore, the dissertation critically examines how these truth commissions differ from their counterparts in transitional or post-conflict contexts. It considers the unique challenges and opportunities truth commissions present in consolidated democracies, including legal accountability, victim participation, and follow-up measures.