Time for accountability 3 The right to a remedy The right to a remedy has three elements: truth, justice and reparation. States must establish the facts about violations of human rights that have occurred; they must investigate those violations and bring the perpetrators to justice; and they must provide victims and their families with full and effective reparation in the form of restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition (see Chapter 8). Many victims of human rights violations interviewed by Amnesty International in Zimbabwe believe that they should be able to realize their right to an effective remedy, including by having their attackers brought to justice. Victims should also be able to bring civil claims in the courts to seek compensation and other forms of reparation for human rights violations. Most victims said that they could name and identify their attackers, who were in the security forces, “war veterans” or local ZANU-PF activists. The fact that perpetrators did not attempt to conceal their identities clearly shows that they were acting with impunity. Amnesty International is urging the government to address past human rights violations in a manner that fulfils Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligation to end impunity for human rights violations. About this report This report is based on Amnesty International’s field research, interviews with victims of human rights violations, their families and other witnesses, health workers, reports by other organizations and media reports. Amnesty International visited Zimbabwe in August-September and November 2007 as well as March and July-August 2008. The report outlines the context in which human rights violations have been taking place in Zimbabwe and describes patterns of violations as illustrated by cases. It focuses on violations that took place after the 29 March 2008 elections, as well as human rights violations committed by two units within the Zimbabwe Republic Police in 2007. It sets out Zimbabwe’s obligations under international human rights law and makes a series of recommendations to the government, aimed at ending human rights violations and breaking the culture of impunity as well as addressing the suffering of victims of past violations. Some names of the victims have been altered for their own security and safety. Amnesty International AI Index: AFR 46/028/2008