Ÿ In closing, Commissioner Ndoro informed participants that the NPRC has established internal and external committees which could effectively help the body to achieve its objectives. She however, mentioned that the NPRC will need to work on building trust among citizens and stakeholders if it is to achieve better results. The Case for Transitional Justice Policy for Zimbabwe Otto Saki NTJWG Independent Expert Mr Otto Saki presented on key issues that should be considered when developing a TJ policy Framework in the context of Zimbabwe. He first noted that there are divergent views among Zimbabweans on whether the country is ready for reconciliation or not given that there has been a change of leadership, but the alleged wrongdoers are still in positions of power. He raised a point on the need for creative expertise in crafting a realistic policy for TJ in the prevailing Zimbabwean context. Saki underscored that; Ÿ The TJ policy should be clear on what remedies will be provided to victims of past human rights violations. Ÿ There should be a shared understanding of what justice means by putting the victims at the centre while cognisant of the rights of the perpetrators too. Ÿ There should be synergy between the NPRC and different government departments. Hence the TJ policy should clearly outline different anticipated linkages. For example, the role of the Social Welfare department in facilitating rehabilitation. Ÿ The policy should clearly outline how the TJ process will be funded as it is costly to address the past as it is when addressing the future. The Ministry of Finance, for instance, should be cognisant of the need for national healing and reconciliation and therefore, must allocate resources commensurate with 13 the work as expected. Ÿ There is need to include economic justice in the TJ policy. Most TJ policies tend to consider political violations mainly. Ÿ Mr. Saki, in closing emphasized that the intended policy framework is not meant to displace the NPRC but to complement the work of the commission as well as creating enabling pointers towards a holistic TJ process. Plenary Lessons and comments raised Ÿ Zimbabwe’s transitional attempts are failing because there are people who benefit from the country’s perpetual violence (violence entrepreneurs). Ÿ Zimbabwe inherited infrastructures and instruments of violence at independence at the expense of a meaningful transition. Ÿ Zimbabwe’s conflicts are embedded in the fight for resources. Ÿ The NPRC’s lifespan (10 - year count) remains unclear. The government is yet to determine the period in which the Commission starts counting its lifespan. Should the 10 - year life span be from the time the Commission was sworn in (2013 – 2023) or from 2018 – 2028. Ÿ There is need for shadow policies and commissions to mirror government appointed Commissions. Ÿ There is need to include victims in both the process and content of TJ policies development. Ÿ The relationship between perpetrators and victims today is that of enemies with intergenerational hate. 2018 TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE POLICY SYMPOSIUM REPORT

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