Foreword On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new Function Constitution of Zimbabwe following Examples a long constitutional reform To dating develop programmes to One -These may initiatives process as far back as 1999. of the keyinclude features of this promote national healing, unity like commemorating national Constitution is Chapter 12, which establishes five Independent and cohesion in Zimbabwe days of remembrance. Commissions Democracy. of the independent and the Supporting peaceful resolution of - One In Northern Ireland, they commissions National Peace and disputes. in this Chapter is the commemorate the National Day of Reflection Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the dutyevery to 21 June with activities like ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. This storytelling about past conflicts, Commission represents the efforts of many organisations community including showcasing churches, victim groups, non-governmental organisations initiatives at building unityand and social cohesion. international organisations that have been clamoring for a - A national mediation agency commission to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It can be established with senior represents the hopes of many victims (and survivors) of past elderly mediators to human help in of disputes. rights violations that truth, justice andmediation healing may see the light of the day. To bring about national -Truth telling initiatives can take reconciliation by encouraging place at be national level or isat The successes or failures of the NPRC are still to seen. But what people to tell the truth about local or community level. clear is that an important conversation has already started. The the past and facilitating - In South Africa, the Truth and success the NPRC depend on Reconciliation the general support from all theofmaking of will amends and Commission stakeholders and the cooperation of the government. This Guide to provision of justice. held public hearings where alleged to perpetrators Understanding the NPRC is our contribution ensuring that were the invited to tell the whole truth NPRC is visible, its purpose understood and supported by all. The of the crimes they committed Guide is simple to use and understand. in plainforlanguage, in Written exchange amnesty the guide is a valuable resource for according civic education, community to conditions set up in law. Victims also told their leaders and facilitators, schools, survivors of human rights violence side of the story. human rights defenders, lawyers, lawmakers and anyone who - At community level, initiatives wants to understand the NPRC and itscan work be in Zimbabwe. We hope encouraged where you will find this guide useful. local communities share their own truths on how they experienced conflict. Muchadehama, Alec (Mr.) - Truth telling, as envisaged in the NTJWG Chairperson Constitution, must be designed Harare, 2017 to facilitate correction of past wrongs and provision of justice. 17 5