Americas, traditional justice systems particular to those societies have been used to achieve justice, reconciliation and peace. HZT enjoins the drafters of the NPRC Bill and all stakeholders to consider making Zimbabwe traditional justice mechanisms part and parcel of the mechanisms to be used by the NPRC. Section 282(e) of the constitution stipulates that traditional leaders can “resolve disputes amongst people in their communities in accordance with customary law.” HZT has over the years built the expertise and knowledge around this area and would be more than willing to share with any parties interested especially the NPRC Commissioners and its Secretariat. ix) Justice The Bill does not address the different justice mechanisms that will be provided to the victims and survivors whose rights were violated. It will be prudent for the healing regulation to stipulate standard measures and remedies in terms of sentence or compensation for those found guilty of having committed violations in the past. This will also prevent selective application of justice and corruption when administering justice. It is international best practice to stipulate remedies that facilitate universal justice and healing. Therefore, the Bill must stipulate justice mechanisms and standard remedies which should be followed when addressing specific violations. 4: Conclusion HZT acknowledges the NPRC Bill as a necessary step towards reconciliation and national healing. However after consultation with our constituents across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe we are inclined to reject the Bill in its current form and call upon all stakeholders to reconsider more importantly issues around the independence of the NPRC; the protection of victims and witnesses’ interests; and the guarantees to decentralise the work of the NPRC to remote areas in Zimbabwe to ensure every Zimbabwean interested is reached. Most important the NPRC will have to acknowledge the uniqueness of Zimbabwe’s traditional justice mechanisms and how they can be used officially at a national level as a tool to assist with reconciliation. HZT will therefore; continue to work with all stakeholders in ensuring the realisation of an acceptable NPRC Bill in order to ensure that peacebuilding and national reconciliation efforts meet expectations of the people of Zimbabwe as enshrined in the Constitution of the country. -End- 17

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