Foreword On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new Table 2: Functions towards addressing human rights needs of Constitution victims. of Zimbabwe following a long constitutional reform process dating as far back as 1999. One of the key features of this Constitution Functionis Chapter 12, which establishes Examples five Independent Commissions Supporting Democracy. of the independent To develop programmes to -A One national counselling services commissions in persons this Chapter is the National Peace and ensure that subjected agency can be established to persecution, torture and to provide free counselling Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the duty to other forms of abuse receive services to victims of This past ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. rehabilitative treatment and conflicts. Commission represents the efforts of many organisations including support. -Health professional can be churches, victim groups, non-governmental andof trained toorganisations detect victims international organisations that have been for a torture andclamoring to take measures to ensure that in addition commission to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It to medical other represents the hopes of many victims (and survivors)attention, of past human support like counselling and rights violations that truth, justice and healing may see the light of protection are offered. the day. - The NPRC can also support non-state actors who have The successes or failures of the NPRC are still to be seen. Butwith what is always been working such clear is that an important conversation has already started. The victims. success of the NPRC will depend on the general support from all stakeholders and the cooperation of the government. This Guide to 1 An example of a rural area in the Mashonaland West Province of Understanding the NPRC is our contribution to ensuring that the Zimbabwe. NPRC is visible, its purpose understood and supported by all. The Guide is simple to use and understand. Written in plain language, Table 3: towards addressing conflict. the guide is Functions a valuable resource for civicviolent education, community leaders and facilitators, schools, survivors of human rights violence Function Examples and anyone who human rights defenders, lawyers, lawmakers To receive and consider of structures for wants to understand the NPRC and its-Establishment work in Zimbabwe. We hope complaints from the public and the reception of complaints you will find this guide useful. to take such action in regard to from the public on any matter the complaints as it considers regarding the disturbance of Muchadehama, Alec (Mr.) appropriate. peace, presence of violence NTJWG Chairperson or threats of potential violence and to react in time. Harare, 2017 19 5