Shared Burdens and Perpetrator— Victim Group Conciliation

Abstract

A crucial aspect of efforts to prevent genocide is effective resolution of the legacy of past genocides. Failure to address the impact of genocide on its victim group(s) and on relations between perpetrator and victim groups can: (1) send the message to would-be perpetrator groups that, once a genocide is accomplished, the perpetrator group will face no responsibility and will be free to enjoy all material, political, military and other gains made through it; and (2) leave intact for the future the attitudes and political, economic and cultural structures and forces that drove the genocide. The latter can mean perpetuating tensions between the victim and perpetrator group, which can lead to violence in the future.KeywordsIndigenous PeopleMoral ResponsibilityReparative ProcessTruth CommissionShare BurdenThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.