Diaspora communities in transitional justice : a hidden presence

Abstract

This chapter focuses on “conflict-generated” diaspora communities, which are fleeing their country of residence as a result of political violence and are seeking refuge in another country. The notions of diaspora and exiles present many similarities such as the dispersal of the group(s) in several states, the connections to their home countries, the dream of returning, and the mobilization and organization of the group(s) to influence their home countries. Moreover, the work of memory and the recognition of their experiences give meaning to their presence abroad and grant them a legitimate place as citizens and interlocutors in their country of origin. Although diaspora communities occupy a very specific position in between the different worlds, their presence frequently tends to remain hidden until specific turning points and transformative events enable them to become more visible. One significant feature of the Argentinian exiles’ activism, mainly in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was their engagement in transnational networking.