Research and Discussion Paper on a TJ Framework for Zimbabwe 7. Adopt an Act which defines specifically human rights violation, as suggested for the amendment of the NPRC Act. 8. Establish a specialized court for these cases, where judges and prosecutors are well trained in transitional justice issues and have a victim-centred approach. 8.3.Amnesty The Zimbabwean state government has given itself blanket amnesty for all violations it had committed. This is against the rule of law and strengthens the already prevailing impunity. These blanket amnesty laws are against international law. Blanket amnesty will allow the perpetrators who have designed and masterminded the gross human rights violations to go scot free. If this kind of blanket amnesty continues, there will be a vicious cycle of violations, disregarding the equal rights of the people without discrimination. Blanket amnesty also undermines the notion of accountability including reconciliation. In order to remedy that situation, the adequate measure would be: 9. Repeal all previous blanket amnesties 8.4.Conditional Amnesty Conditional amnesties have various objectives depending on the past violations. It can sometimes persuade authoritarian rulers to hand over power. It can also provide an incentive to offenders to participate in truth recovery and thus contribute to reconciliation. A measure could be: 10. Discuss with all stakeholders whether a conditional of amnesty is an option for Zimbabwe. And if yes, for which cases. Come-up with a catalogue. 8.5.Reparations Reparations are a means to redress past gross and systematic human rights violations. These are measures taken by states to redress gross and systematic violations of international human rights law and/or international humanitarian law through the administration of some form of compensation or restitution to the victims. States are obliged to provide adequate, effective and comprehensive reparation to victims. Reparations include restitution, compensation, rehabilitation or restitution: In criminal cases, one of the penalties imposed is requiring the return of stolen goods to the victim or payment to the victim for harm caused. For victims who have been internally displaced (IDP) the right to restitution of their property is of utmost importance. Where restitution is not feasible compensation in monetary form might be applied. 48 DRAFT

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