international norms and agreements on matters of peace and security. Mrs. Zembe stressed that the infrastructure or architecture for peace as provided through the Zimbabwe National Policy Framework for Peace and Reconciliation bestows a legacy to succeeding generations of solving disputes through dialogue rather than violent conflict, enabling a break away from the culture of cyclical violence inherited from the past. In conclusion, Mrs. Zembe stated that issues that pertain to reparations, restitution, compensation, among other perceived entitlements arising from violent historical epochs of our country will fall under the purview of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as an institution to deal with the past and future occurrences of violence. Mrs. Zembe outlined the following themes as fundamental to the effective national healing: ► The importance of resolving multiple conflicting narratives about the past in Zimbabwe and the need to integrate these narratives into a representative inclusive narrative ► The importance of widespread consultations on the nature and mandate of the NPRC ► The importance of a transparent process in the establishment of the NPRC ► Concern over timing (periodisation) and the potential opening of wounds (retraumatisation) C. Prof. Pablo de Greiff: Transitional Justice: A Catalyst for Peace and Reconciliation Professor Pablo de Greiff argued that transitional justice should not be taken to be a soft form of justice but a strategy that achieves various kinds of justice. He contended that reconciliation should not be understood as an alternative to justice, but rather, a state of social relations that requires the implementation of the measures under the mandate of a commission or their functional equivalent. He emphasised the important pillars of transitional justice: truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. Furthermore, he highlighted how truth-seeking can contribute to strengthening the rule of law by: ► Establishing grounds for the resignation or removal of public officials, who have committed human rights violations ► Providing a description and analysis of shortcomings in the security sector and subsequent recommendations ► Providing opportunities for a country to engage in a discussion of what the rule of law requires ► Restoring the condition of victims as bearers of rights. Truth Commissions: the Best Practices 7