2.3 Initiatives by Non-State Actors
2.3 a. The National Transitional Justice Working Group (NTJWG)
There were some major developments on transitional justice outside the official processes but
without great impact on the official processes. Following the adoption of the new Constitution
in 2013, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum convened the International Conference
on Transitional Justice on Zimbabwe to discuss the way forward. The conference agreed to
form the NTJWG as a platform to provide interface between transitional justice stakeholders
and the official mechanism. 46 organisations (now 64) became part of the initiative which
ultimately saw the creation of the NTJWG headed by a Committee of 8 transitional justice
experts. Since then, the NTJWG has coordinated civil society interventions in the process.
Some key milestones are the following:
i. Development of the Guiding Principles on Transitional Justice Policy and Practice in
Zimbabwe
ii. Issuing of the Minimum Standards for an Effective National Peace and Reconciliation
Commission for Zimbabwe
iii. Timely Analyses of two NPRC Draft Bills
iv. Mobilising and educating citizens to be involved in the process
v. Holding transitional justice public meetings to raise awareness on the key transitional
justice issues
vi. Training for Parliamentarians on Transitional Justice
2.3. b The Peace Building Network of Zimbabwe (PBNZ)
Another platform also initiated by civil society in Zimbabwe is the Peace Building Network of
Zimbabwe (PBNZ). The network is composed of a network of 19 local non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) that are involved in community peace-building activities across the
country. In 2014, the Network produced a Community Healing Manual which was designed
to standardise and strengthen community healing processes in Zimbabwe. The manual was
produced to enhance the capacity of members of the PBNZ in their peace-building work by
way of a bottom-up approach that also seeks to complement the role that will be played by the
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) and other local and national
processes.
2.3.c Other Activities
A number of actors continue to work with victims in different areas. Since 1998, the
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has processed over 7 000 requests for litigation by
victims seeking justice. The Counselling Services Unit received around 100 cases every month
from victims in need of psycho-social support. Around 19 peacebuilding organisations carry
out training in conflict transformation in some of Zimbabwe's most violent spots. Most of the
country's Universities have now introduced peace education in their programmes, training
students and political leadership in peace building dynamic. It is still to be seen to what extent
these initiatives will find their way into the official process as the NPRC prepares for work.
Zambara, W. (Ed.) 2015 Community Healing Manual: A training manual for Zimbabwe.
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STATE OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IN ZIMBABWE
2017 REPORT
NATIONAL
TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
WORKING GROUP
ZIMBABWE
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