Briefing Paper

Justice and Peace in a New Zimbabwe Transitional Justice Options

“Against the backdrop of an international legal and normative framework which may shape justice options, the first part of this paper addresses the question ‘why a truth commission?’We suggest that Zimbabwe’s particular experiences necessitate a national truth commission as a viable or necessary option in providing sure conditions and foundations for a peaceable future. The second part of the paper then addresses some considerations relating to how
to establish such a formal process, drawing on others’ experience. Of course, the question ‘how might a commission look?’ is (or should be)inextricably linked with the question ‘why have a commission anyway – what exactly is it for?’”