Resumen

ARNOSO, Maitane et al. Truth and Justice Commission: perceived efficacy in Paraguay. Rev. Int. Investig. Cienc. Soc. [online]. 2014, vol.10, n.2, pp.154-168. ISSN 2226-4000.

The Truth and Justice Commission (CVJ) and official apology issued by Fernando Lugo are some of the actions led in Paraguay, based on a truth’s conception, in order to address past Stroessner´s dictatorship (1954-1989). In this frame, an empirical study was carried out to explore the level of knowledge and perceived sincerity and efficacy that people have about these measures, as well as aroused emotions and social sharing. The sample was composed by 1192 participants from Asunción and rural areas of Paraguay among which were direct, indirect victims of violence, and unaffected people. Although results show a poor knowledge about the commission’s work, people exhibit high positive evaluations of commission actions recognizing it contributions in helping victims’ relatives and building an integrative story. A predominance of negative emotions (sadness, pain and anger) and a low level of social sharing are also evidenced.  However, differences are observed according to the residence’s place and degree of exposure to violence. It is people living in rural areas and direct victims, who know best both measures, more value the CVJ´s work and exhibit higher levels of social share. Also, rural people report more negative emotions as a result of CVJ’s work. Despite the emotional toll associated with these measures, talk about what happened, know about apologies, consider them as sincere and effective, predicts a better appreciation of CVJ’s work

Palabras clave : Human rights; dictatorship; Truth and Justice Commission; Paraguay.

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