South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, authorised by Nelson Mandela and chaired by Desmond Tutu after the end of apartheid, began with the victims of gross human rights violations giving statements about their experiences. It began with everyone, including the families of perpetrators, listening to these statements. Truth, so often the first victim in man’s inhumanity to man, was given first place in the process of restorative justice, including reparations.
I can’t help but wonder, where was the listening by Laura Trevelyan and her family (My family owned 1,000 slaves and profited from the trade: this is how I am trying to make amends, 25 March)? Did they engage in any way with the direct descendants of slaves brutalised by their ancestors, the families harmed for generations? First, to hear and acknowledge these survivors’ stories, to come to grips with the actual (not presumed) pain inflicted. Then, to learn from them what response might be most meaningful. Who would know better?
