Foreword On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new Constitution of Zimbabwe following a long constitutional reform 9.4 Perpetrators/ violators process dating as far back as 1999. One of the key features of this Constitution is Chapter 12, the which establishes five about Independent The Constitution says NPRC must bring national reconciliation by encouraging people to of tellthe the independent truth about the Commissions Supporting Democracy. One past and facilitating the makingisofthe amends and provision of justice. commissions in this Chapter National Peace and The Constitution does not mention how the NPRC will encourage Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the duty to alleged perpetrators to come forward. ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. This Commission represents the efforts of many organisations Generally, other Commissions encourage people to including come and talk by victim offeringgroups, them amnesty or if they are not willing to doand so by churches, non-governmental organisations using threats of punishment. This can take the form of encouraging international organisations that have been clamoring for a them to come and speak what happened for instance, what they commission to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It did to whom and who sent them in exchange of forgiveness. The represents the hopes of any many victims (andupon survivors) of pastbefore human NPRC Act compels person called to appear the rightsCommission violations that truth, to do so. justice and healing may see the light of the day. Under section 10 (3) the NPRC Act ‘, The Commission shall afford any person is alleged to be are directly indirectly responsible The successes orwho failures of the NPRC still toorbe seen. But what is for perpetrating, implementing, perpetuating or permitting the clear is that an important conversation has already started. The continuance of any violence, dispute or conflict, fourteen working success of the NPRC will depend on the general support from all days from the date when he or she is notified of the allegations stakeholders government. Guide to in in writingand by the the cooperation Commission of tothe respond to suchThis allegations Understanding the NPRC is our contribution to ensuring that the writing.’ NPRC is visible, its purpose understood and supported by all. The Guide is simple to use and understand. Written in plain language, Summary box the guide is a valuable resource for civic education, community leaders• and survivors of human rights violence Thefacilitators, NPRC mustschools, reach out to as many people as possible. NPRC offices must be accessible and and located in a friendly human• rights defenders, lawyers, lawmakers anyone who place that does not frighten people from giving their wants to understand the NPRC and its work in Zimbabwe. We hope testimonies. you will find this guide useful. • There is no law yet in place on how victims can approach the NPRC. Muchadehama, Alec (Mr.) • The NPRC Act and the NPRC must guarantee the safety and NTJWG Chairperson protection of witnesses before, during and after its hearings. The Constitution says the NPRC must encourage people to Harare,•2017 tell the truth about the past and facilitate the making of amends and provision of justice. 38 5