Foreword On 22 May 2013, President Robert Mugabe signed into law the new victims come to give their testimonies. Constitution of Zimbabwe following a long constitutional reform process dating as far back as 1999. One of the key features of this Mediation The NPRC to perform alternative Constitution is -Chapter 12,is mandated which establishes fivesome Independent dispute resolution, conflict resolution, to conciliate and mediate Commissions Supporting Democracy. One of the independent disputes among communities, organisations, groups and commissions in this Chapter is the National Peace and individuals. Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), which is given the duty to ensure post-conflict justice, healing, and reconciliation. Research and Analysis - Although it is not readily obvious, the This NPRC will haverepresents to carry outthe independent research and analysis work. This Commission efforts of many organisations including is stipulated Constitution that it has, ‘To organisations develop mechanisms churches, victimin the groups, non-governmental and for early detection of areas of potential conflicts and disputes and international organisations that have been clamoring for a to take appropriate preventive measures.’ commission to help the society come to terms with its violent past. It represents the hopes of many victims (and survivors) of past human Committees rightsThrough violations that truth, justice and healing may see the light of the day. Section 8 of the First Schedule of the NPRC Act allows the NPRC to establish through may its mandate. The successes orcommittees failures of the NPRCwhich are stillit to bepursue seen. But what is The Commission can appoint any other persons to the committees. clear is that an important conversation has already started. The success of the NPRC will depend on the general support from all stakeholders and the cooperation of the government. This Guide to Other Actors Understanding the NPRC is our contribution to ensuring that the The Constitution in section 235 (2) obliges all state institutions and understood and supported by all. The NPRC is visible, its purpose agencies of government at every level to assist independent Guide is simple to use and understand. Written in plain language, commissions and to protect their independence, impartiality, the guide is and a valuable resource for civic community integrity effectiveness. Section 6 (3)education, (b) of the NPRC Act allows leaders facilitators, survivors of human rights violence the and NPRC to request schools, support from existing institutions which maybe state or non-state actors. Sectionlawmakers 6 (4) empowers NPRCwho to call human rights defenders, lawyers, and the anyone upon any institution of government to carry out certain act and wants to understand the NPRC and its work in Zimbabwe. We hope such institution shall be obliged to do so. This power of course is to you will find this guide useful. be exercised judiciously. Muchadehama, Alec (Mr.) Lessons from other Commissions NTJWG Chairperson Harare, 2017 The NPRC is different from other Commissions, which are established 23 5