The Right to the truth and Truth Commissions

Abstract

This article initially will attempt to locate the sources and the legal status of the right to the
truth, in the field of international law. For this purpose the article seeks to trace the evolution of
the concept of the right to know the truth about past events regarding the execution of heinous
crimes, by entering in the field of transitional justice. Attention will be put on the individual
character of this right existent in the judicial and legislative processes; as well on the collective
character of this right which is called upon in the aftermath of the violent conflict or oppressive
regime, for uncovering and investigating the serious human rights violations.