E. Professor Jeremy Sarkin: Legal and Normative Frameworks for Truth Commissions. Professor Sarkin's presentation focused on the normative framework for truth commissions. He outlined the points for consideration when setting up a truth commission and emphasised that the process of establishing a commission is as important as the process implementing it. It is important for the Commission to have a well-crafted mandate that is not incomplete, obscure or contradictory. A platform for victims to participate in telling their stories should be created even if it is not clearly embedded within the establishing Constitutional provisions. The Professor recommended that the development of a commission and its mandate be an inclusive, consultative process that involves all stakeholders. When constitutional provisions on the appointment of commissioners do not deal with representation or the diversity commissioners, it is crucial that there be integrity, experience and political independence of the commissioners. The final report is fundamental, and it is important to make sure that the report is made accessible to the public. Important considerations for the integrity of the commissions were shown to be: ► That the process is perceived to be legitimate and credible ► That civil society is involved ► That there is public involvement and buy-in from the beginning ► Pre-transition issues and timing of the process Truth Commissions: the Best Practices 9