In the fifth installment of UMAM D&R's workshop series dealing with Lebanon's war-loaded memory, the seemingly simple topic of truth-seeking was chosen as the theme. In "Truth-Seeking Mechanisms," UMAM D&R and the International Center for Transitional Justice brought in Jose Zalaquett, professor of human rights at the Law School of the University of Chile, and Howard Varney, the director for the Truth-Seeking Department at the International Center for Transitional Justice.

Discussions looked at truth-seeking commissions around the world and why the majority of these endeavors fail to yield any results. The pursuit of truth appears simple and straightforward but in practice requires collective effort, honest reckoning, and nuanced approaches. Turning inwards, the participants and panelists debated ways in which Lebanon could establish the truth and which truths should be focused on given the complex, multi-faceted nature of Lebanon's past conflicts. Participants took away fresh ideas and new ways of truth-seeking in Lebanon, with a better understanding of how to navigate the obstacles facing the establishment of truth commissions.