No to the Organ on National Healing, We Want an Independent TRC Say Survivors of Political Violence

Harare - About 250 representatives of victims of political violence gathered yesterday, 20 September 2010 in Harare to deliberate and come up with a concrete position on national healing and transitional justice. Survivors of political violence had a rare opportunity to express their expectations on the form and content of the national healing process and the transitional justice mechanisms necessary to achieve genuine peace.

They also had the opportunity to ask questions to the invited guest comprising of the Hon Prime Minister, Mr Tsvangirai, the Minister of National Healing and Reconciliation, Mrs. S. Holland and a representative from the JOMIC. The Government officials where grilled on why the country was failing to have peace and stability two years after the formation of the Inclusive Government.
One of the major demands made by the survivors was the need for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission that will replace the Organ on national healing which they dismissed as too compromised. The demand comes against a backdrop of the resurgence of political violence in most areas especially now during the ongoing constitution making process.

The survivors were grouped into five clusters namely:

· Those with permanent injuries

· Those who lost their property during the violence period.

· Those who were sexually abused.

· Widows and widowers.

· Those who were arrested, tortured and released several times.

· Relatives of those who disappeared during the political violence period and are yet to be located.

They deliberated on what they expect the Government to do in terms of healing and restoration. The demands were collaborated into a petition which was handed over to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and the Organ on National Healing. Heal Zimbabwe will compile a detailed report of the outcome of the Survivors Summit which will used as an advocacy tool to ensure that the voice and demands of survivors of political violence are addressed.
The survivors were scheduled to peacefully march in Harare and submit a petition to the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs and the Organ on national healing and reconciliation but were denied the opportunity by members of the police. Pastors took turns to preach to the gathering on the need to instill peace and stability and called upon our political leaders to lead by example and desist from inciting people to fight each other. After the commemorations, two representatives managed to submit the petition.