Foreword On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new Constitution of Zimbabwe following a long constitutional reform process dating as far back as 1999. One of the key features of this Zimbabwe’s Constitution of 2013 establishes the National Peace Constitution is Chapter 12, which establishes five Independent and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) with an overarching Commissions Democracy. justice, One ofpeace, the independent mandate Supporting to realise post-conflict healing and commissions in this Chapter National andon reconciliation. This Guide seeksis tothe promote publicPeace education the NPRC. Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the duty to ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. This The main goal of this guide is to ensure that citizens have access to Commission efforts many organisations including relevant,represents complete,the timely andof understandable information about churches, victim groups, non-governmental organisations and the NPRC. Specifically, the guide intends to; international organisations that haveofbeen clamoring for and a » Increase citizens’ awareness the mandate, duties commission responsibilities to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It of the NPRC; represents the hopes of many victims (and survivors) of past human » Motivate communities and citizens to participate in NPRC rights violations that truth, justice and healing may see the light of programmes; the day. » Assist and encourage victims and survivors to participate in NPRC programmes andare still to be seen. But what is The successes or failures of the NPRC » Raise and improve national visibility of the NPRC. clear is that an important conversation has already started. The About this Guide success of the NPRC will depend on the general support from all To achieve that, this publication offers step-by-step guidance stakeholders andcommunities the cooperation the government. This Guide to to citizens, and of stakeholders with much needed Understanding NPRC is our contribution to ensuring informationthe about the NPRC. It does so by answering thethat ten the basic questions about the NPRC, which are formulated as separate NPRC is visible, its purpose understood and supported by all. The chapters. Guide is simple to use and understand. Written in plain language, the guide is a valuable resource for civic education, community This publication, therefore serves as guidance for citizens to leaders and facilitators, human rights violence engage effectively schools, with the survivors ongoing of processes, to address past human rights defenders, anyone who human rights violations,lawyers, securinglawmakers peace and and fostering healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe. wants to understand the NPRC and its work in Zimbabwe. We hope you will find this guide useful. Muchadehama, Alec (Mr.) NTJWG Chairperson Harare, 2017 7 5