Truth commissions are official bodies established to investigate and report on human rights violations that occurred during a specific period, often in the aftermath of conflict or authoritarian rule. Their primary goal is to uncover the truth about past abuses, promote accountability, and foster reconciliation within society. These commissions typically gather testimonies from victims, perpetrators, and witnesses, documenting their findings in a public report. By acknowledging past injustices, truth commissions aim to help societies heal and prevent future violations, contributing to the broader process of transitional justice, which includes related mechanisms like trials and reparations.