5. Criminal proceedings against perpetrators As recommended by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, criminal proceedings should be brought against all those who have committed gross human rights violations. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum endorses this view, and further points out that Zimbabwe has a very poor record of dealing with the perpetrators of such violations. The Government needs to send a strong signal that human rights violations will not be tolerated, that all perpetrators will be brought to justice, and, by so doing, make it clear to the country as a whole that it is seriously committed to the defence of human rights and the principle that no person is above the law. 6. Compensation for losses to businesses Last but certainly not least, mechanisms must be established to ensure that businesspersons who suffered financial loss as a result of the riots receive compensation or at least soft loans to allow them to re-establish their businesses. In conclusion, we would wish to point out that it is unacceptable for the Government to avoid any inquiry. The basis of a stable and democratic society requires that all actions of the Government be open to public scrutiny, especially where events have led to loss of life and widespread civil disturbance as is the case in the Food Riots. It is insufficient for Government or any of its agencies to merely assert that the principle of minimum force has been obeyed without testing this assertion in an open and public manner. Zimbabwe is in crisis, and it is incumbent upon the Government to take the steps to reduce both crisis and the conditions for crisis. Government is not the law, nor is it above the law, and it should set the example to the nation of open criticism by public inquiry. Appendix 1 Glossary of Terms used in the Report CBD Central Business District GDP Gross Domestic Produce HR Forum Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum NGO Non-government organisation OVT Organised violence and torture PTC Posts and Telecommunication Corporation PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder RBZ Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ZNA Zimbabwe National Army ZRP Zimbabwe Republic Police