HEAL ZIMBABWE - BASELINE STUDY REPORT Ideal Peace and Reconciliation Framework The ideal NPRC model should be informed by three considerations namely (a) structural, (b) operational and (c) programmatic issues. Structurally, the NPRC should be independent so that it operates without undue influence from political forces, other government departments and individuals outside the Commission. There is an expectation from the communities that the NPRC should be decentralised from the national to the provincial, district, ward and village levels. Also, the process should be guided by grassroots processes and traditions. A bottom-up healing and reconciliation process will increase communities’ access to the NPRC services and it boosts local buy-in. Operationally the NPRC should ensure due process to grievances raised by the Zimbabwean communities and stakeholders. Political and electoral violence and race relations are priority conflict issues needing urgent redress. Programmatically, truth-telling and justice should be key thrusts for the NPRC while forgive and forget approach as well as amnesty should get least priority. Dispensing Justice, Healing and Reconciliation For the victims of violence and conflict since Zimbabwe’s colonial era, justice should be dispensed by having the government acknowledge past wrongs and take responsibility by redressing past violations. Truth-telling, public apology, reparations, guarantees of non-recurrence and prosecution of perpetrators should be prioritised. However, justice should not be he Pla e for ti e • ti e an onl e eli ere in an en iron ent air o t rie an e universally defined to mean prosecutions and use of national courts. Traditional mechanisms should also be explored at the lowest community level to allow organic peace and reconciliation. This traditional approach has the potential to reduce burden on the NPRC as it allows communal reconciliation processes to address mutually beneficial justice without retribution. here there i re pe t for ea h other an here one an What would communities want to see from the NPRC? As the NPRC commences its work, communities in Zimbabwe would like to see it operating independently and genuinely listening to the affected crowds and addressing the communities concerns with compassion. The Commission should be inclusive and must consult diverse stakeholders from various socio-economic and political backgrounds. While facilitating peace and reconciliation processes, Zimbabweans would want to see the NPRC profiling past human rights violations and ensuring that there is guarantee of non-recurrence through putting relevant state institutions into action. hat Co nitie ant one tho e rape re ire e i ation an therap in e o e rapi t ha e ie ein rape an infe te D • o nitie ant the o ern ent to o n p a re lo al fear an er an • o e o en ot i or e a er orrie xi