ii) Decentralisation of the NPRC process The NPRC Bill does not make mention of any attempts or plans to decentralise its functions to the lowest level of communities (provincial, district and ward levels). There is need for representation of the NPRC from the highest to the lowest levels of society so that a thorough healing and reconciliation process is undertaken. iii) Engaging the diaspora community It is important to acknowledge the large diaspora community resident outside Zimbabwe either for economic or political reasons needs to be engaged on matters concerning violations that occurred in the past. Whereas this part of the Zimbabwean community and their grievances reportedly remain sensitive they will need to be consulted if the country is to heal and reconcile completely. iv) Pillars of Transitional Justice The pillars of Transitional Justice vital to any peace and reconciliation process are not mentioned in the NPRC Bill. The issues of trauma healing, truth telling and restoration being the major thrust of healing and reconciliation are not expressly mentioned in the Bill. The NPRC Bill seems to be placing more emphasis on investigations and prosecutions while failing to address the past. In dealing with the past, there are spaces where traditional peace building mechanisms that already exist in communities can be employed. This is in line with HZT’s realisation in the course of carrying out its mandate that some communities are more interested in hearing the truth rather than investigations and prosecution. The NPRC Bill must therefore expressly state that it seeks to deal with the past and facilitate truth telling as provided by the Constitution. v) The NPRC’s unexplained relationship with the police and prosecuting authorities in Zimbabwe A point related to the issue of investigations concerns the silence in the Bill on how the NPRC will have linkages with the police and prosecuting authorities in Zimbabwe. Only section 8(d) mentions that the NPRC may request the assistance of the police in carrying out investigations. This point could be protected further in the Bill by making it obligatory for the police force to assist the NPRC in its investigations were deemed necessary. Leaving the section vague like this will definitely not yield results when dealing with a police force that usually does not have vehicles, enough lab technicians to carry forensic investigations and many other tools needed for the trade. In addition, the police are known for being unwilling to cooperate with victims and survivors of violence to investigate past reports of violations. In relation to the security forces, the Bill is not clear on how it will handle violations attributed to security organs such as the police, army and the central intelligence. HZT recommends that this section be outlined clearly on what relationship and authority does the NPRC has over the police and army because already there is a clause which allows the Minister to veto investigations over issues of national security through a mere Certificate. 9