TRC Workshop: How to Craft a Personal Statement

USKRG
1 day ago
2 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1-5LlEt5Ac

USKRG is pleased to share best practices for crafting a compelling personal statement that will be entered into the TRC as evidence. A good personal statement highlights human rights violations within your file, giving shape and factual support to your human rights narrative.

The portion of the presentation about crafting a Personal Statement begins at 13:42.

Why your Personal Statement Matters

• Your case record is evidence, not just a story

• Institutions and courts rely on written records

• Clear documentation strengthens credibility

• Personal testimony is strongest when supported by documents

• A well-prepared file protects against dismissal as “anecdotal”

Leverage your Timeline & Documents

To construct an effective timeline, see our article about how to make a TRC timeline.

Also see: Eight Key Documents to Create a Timeline

Timeline Creation & Red Flags Workshop Video

Identify Human Rights violations:

• Look for missing investigations/paperwork

• Check consent and guardianship records

• Review identity and nationality documents

• Examine timing of transfer and adoption

• Identify any obstructions to getting your records

Write your Personal Statement

• Start with verified background facts

• Present issues in logical order

• Explain why each issue matters

• Avoid speculation and exaggeration

• End with specific requests or goals

Sample Opening Paragraph

Original

"My records clearly show a pattern of failures and cover ups that prove my human rights were violated from the very beginning of this adoption. The documents contradict each other, important safeguards were ignored, and the institutions involved either did not care enough to follow the law or chose not to. What might look like small mistakes at first glance actually reveal a system that failed me at every stage. This was not just sloppy paperwork. It was a reckless process that put my rights last and treated my life like an administrative task to be completed."

❌ Accusations made

❌ Emotive (angry) language

❌ Shows bias

Revised

"My records show a pattern of connected problems that, taken together, support a strong case that my human rights were violated during this adoption. These issues are supported by the original documents, by contradictions within the records, and by missing safeguards that should have been in place at the time. While some problems might appear minor on their own, together they show that my human rights were not properly protected throughout the adoption process."

✅ Neutral language

✅ Grounded; Positioned to be supported by facts

✅ Lack of bias