► ► ► ► ► ► ► Seek acknowledgement of gross violations of human rights perpetrated by the state Provide justice, compensation and reparations Provide national healing and reconciliation Ensure non-repetition Be gender sensitive in its processes Ensure transparency and accountability Facilitate nation-building and re-integration Using these minimum demands, from 2009-2011 the Forum undertook a Taking Transitional Justice to the People Outreach Programme with the objective of bringing the concept of transitional justice to ordinary Zimbabweans and the victims of organised violence and torture. In 2012, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum published views and recommendations from Zimbabweans in the Diaspora on transitional justice, which were sent out to various stakeholders, including policy makers.6 In October 2012, the Forum organised the First International Conference on Transitional Justice in Nyanga, Zimbabwe. The conference provided a platform for numerous stakeholders to share ideas and experiences around TJ. The participants included: civil society organisations; legislators; government institutions; development partners; faith-based organisations; labour; farmers' organisations; the security sector; academia and the media. Based on the presentation of the case studies and group discussions, the two-day conference recommended the “Way Forward for Zimbabwe” 7 in transitional justice as being: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. To establish a Transitional Justice National Working Group To ensure credible research and efficient archiving of documentation To advocate policy change and the enactment of appropriate legislation To ensure national engagement in the process To facilitate the rehabilitation of survivors of OVT and human rights violations, with specific attention paid to women and children 6. To reform and monitor existing relevant institutions A new constitution for Zimbabwe, following a successful referendum, was signed into law by the President on 22nd May 2013. This new Constitution has a Bill of Rights encompassing civil and political, social, cultural and economic rights. 6 7 See the Forum's Report on Transitional Justice in the Diaspora, 2012. Zim Human Rights NGO Forum(2012). International Conference on Transitional Justice, Nyanga. 2 The Second International Conference on Transitional Justice in Zimbabwe