Hugo van der Merwe Closed Now

Hugo van der Merwe is one of South Africa’s leading experts in transitional justice, specializing in reconciliation, community-level peacebuilding, and the long-term impacts of truth commissions. For over three decades, he has contributed significantly to shaping South Africa’s post-apartheid justice landscape and advancing global understanding of how societies confront past violence.

Van der Merwe currently serves as the Head of Research and Learning at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) in Johannesburg, one of the world’s most prominent organizations dedicated to post-conflict transformation. He is also co-editor of the International Journal of Transitional Justice (IJTJ), which has become the leading academic platform for scholarship, debates, and emerging practices in the field.

His work began during South Africa’s foundational transition, where he worked closely with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Van der Merwe played an important role in analyzing testimonies, assessing participation processes, and evaluating the long-term outcomes of the TRC’s work. This early experience shaped his career-long focus: understanding how survivors experience justice, how communities rebuild trust, and how state institutions can respond to the needs of those affected by systemic violence.

Beyond South Africa, Van der Merwe has advised truth commissions, peace processes, and community reconciliation initiatives in numerous countries, including Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nepal, and Colombia. His applied research bridges academic inquiry and practice, offering tools for governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations exploring participatory models of truth-seeking and accountability.

He has authored and co-edited several influential books and research studies, including Assessing the Impact of Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding through Community-Based Dialogue, which highlight the importance of victim-centered approaches and long-term engagement in transitional settings. His work consistently underscores that justice processes must reflect community realities and promote meaningful inclusion.

Van der Merwe is recognized not only as a leading researcher but also as a skilled mediator and facilitator, working directly with communities affected by violence to foster dialogue, healing, and sustainable peace.