Rwanda others and the way we speak about them, the kind of language we use. Is it the language of animosity and suspicion and fear and hatred? Or is it the language of accepting and valuing our neighbours? Lessons learned and challenges What was positive regarding the transitional justice process in Rwanda? • The Rwanda experience had traditional means of addressing a legacy of violence. • The use of local systems of conflict resolution (Gacaca) and crime prevention. • Use of community means of social integration. • A healthy mix of the traditional and modern mechanisms of transitional justice. • The traditional mechanisms were inclusive of both victims and perpetrators, this promoting a certain degree of integration. • Traditional mechanisms were fast and cost-effective compared to the ICTR. What was challenging regarding the transitional justice process in Rwanda? • The Gacaca was at times complex because of the interchanging victim/ perpetrator/witness roles. • The process was open to abuse by people trying to settle other scores. • Integration was not always successful, as some victims could not tolerate the proximity of their perpetrators. • Judges in the Gacaca were not fully equipped with the necessary skills for genocide cases; training was available but inadequate. • There was inadequate documentation at the Gacaca courts. • There were no security measures put in place to protect victims and witnesses. • There was no psychosocial support programmes for victims, perpetrators and witnesses. • Limited access to healthcare services for victims. Is the strategy of Rwanda to address transitional justice issues applicable to Zimbabwe? • Applicability of the Gacaca courts system to deal with gross human rights violations that have taken place in Zimbabwe might be difficult because of different traditions that exist in the country. The Zimbabwe legal system International Conference on Transitional Justice, Zimbabwe 53