1. Executive Summary
This report outlines the opinions and expectations of Victims and Survivors on what
should be included in a Transitional Justice Framework for Zimbabwe commissioned
by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum. The significance of these findings is that
they clearly identify and communicate victims and survivors’ opinions around the
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), its mandate and Transitional
Justice/Dealing with the Past (DwP) issues in Zimbabwe.
Survey Findings
This section highlights the most significant findings of these surveys for the inclusion
in the research paper to be presented at the National Symposium.
Respondents
A total of 101 responses were received to a 10-question survey. 52% of respondents
were female. 32% of respondents were aged between 16 - 35 years, while 11% were
between 56+ Years. All the Respondents were victims or survivors of political violence
residing in rural areas.
What do you think are the most important issues in Zimbabwe when dealing with
past Human Rights violations?
This question explores respondents’ opinions on what the critical issues really are,
when dealing with past Human Rights violations. Over 70% Respondents indicated
that truth, justice, compensation and institutional Reform were very important. 57.1%
did not view memorialization as very important.
How far back should Dealing with the past human Rights Violations go in the
History of Zimbabwe?
The NPRC is one of the five Independent Commissions established under Chapter 12
of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013 for the purpose of
supporting and entrenching a culture of human rights and democracy. It is mandated
by the Constitution of Zimbabwe to amongst other functions, “to ensure post-conflict
justice, healing and reconciliation1” and “to bring about national reconciliation by
encouraging people to tell the truth about the past and facilitating the making of
amends and the provision of justice;2”. This question explores people’s opinions on
how far back the NPRC must look in to the past, as the CoZ is open ended in time
frame considerations. 88.1% believe that the NPRC should go back to the
Gukurahundi period just after Independence.
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(The Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter 12, section 252 (a), 2013,99)
ibid, section 252 (c)
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