Bones have the right to be heard
Transitional justice discussions took centre stage in June with many initiatives being implemented by the National Transitional Justice Working Group
(NTJWG). Ms Shari Eppel, the Director of Ukhutula Trust, spoke to Skyz-FM on her work with families of Gukurahundi victims in Matebeleland. She helps
families find their ‘dead’ and helps with expert exhumations and reburials. Read her reflections here. You can also listen to her radio interview here.
NTJWG HAS TOOLS FOR YOU
What is it that we can do to make sure that Zimbabwe’s
past of violence does not become its future? This is a question that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission
(NPRC) is struggling with. But they are not planning to struggle alone. Which is why they are hitting the road around the
country establishing provincial peace committees. On 29
May 2019, the NPRC announced that it will be devolving its
operations to the ten provinces in the country by establishing
Provincial Peace Committees beginning 31 May 2019 ending
on 2 July 2019.
The NPRC announced that the Provincial Peace Committees
will be mandated to solve conflicts in their areas because a
“one-size-fits all” approach has proved impractical. If you
wish to participate in these engagements, NTJWG has put together some resources for you. You can learn about the NPRC
from the Guide here. If you are passionate about inclusion,
the NTJWG’s Code of Inclusion is available here. If you are a
survivor of past violations and you want to participate effectively in the work of the NPRC, write to the NTJWG, and they
have a small gift for you.
FEATURES FOR JUNE
Anti-Impunity Report Exposes Government’s Accountability Deficit
On 13 June 2019, the Forum launched the 2018 Anti-Impunity Report in Harare at
a function attended by colleagues from civil society, the diplomatic community, the
media, the law sector, Parliament and survivors of police brutality. The report is
based on an analysis of over 30 000 cases of organised violence and torture documented by the Forum since 1998. It exposes the legal loopholes in Zimbabwe’s human rights framework and the accountability deficit of the current administration
in refusing to honour its obligations to the victims.
The Anti-Impunity Report shows us that this is by design. Then the report asks
the ultimate question, ‘Will the dream of justice be ever realised for the victims?’
For a full report on the launch and presentations by facilitators, please follow this
link. Download the full report here.
REMEMBERING ZIMBABWE’S TORTURE VICTIMS
Our feature for this month is a reflection on Zimbabwe’s torture victims and the role of the NPRC. We offer this reflection in memory of all victims
who are no longer among us and hope that our efforts will ultimately lead our country into truth, justice and accountability. Read here.
INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY
UNITED NATIONS URGED TO ACT AGAINST CRIMINALISATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS WORK IN ZIMBABWE
On 25 June 2019, the Executive Director of the Forum, Ms Blessing Gorejena, delivered a statement at the 41st Session of the United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC), in Geneva. She urged the UNHRC to act against the criminalisation of human rights work in Zimbabwe. Watch the presentation in the UNHRC here.
FROM OUR MEMBERS JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN (JC): POLICE OFFICERS RECEIVE TRAINING ON CHILD PROTECTION LAWS
• Justice for Children launched the Age Of Consent, Sexual Intercourse With Young Persons & Access To Sexual & Reproductive Health Care In Zimba
bwe publication on 20 June 2019. The publication’s emphasis is on the age of consent, which has remained a standing topical issue in Zimbabwe. It is
the consequences and effects of the age of consent that have continuously triggered the ongoing discussion, ranging from the incessant child marriages to the disturbingly high levels of child sexual abuse. Access to health services, particularly sexual and reproductive health services, is yet another.
Read the full publication here
• In Mutare on 28 June, Justice for Children (JC) conducted a capacity building workshop for over 25 law enforcement officers from Manicaland, including ZRP Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) officers, on child protection laws, the Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) program, court processes and the handling of
survivors of sexual abuse and children in conflict with the law. See the full report here.
• Watch the interview with JC Director on the report here.