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Political parties must hold perpetrators of political violence accountable
International Center for Transitional Justice
September 11, 2008

The International Center for Transitional Justice today called on Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to take concrete steps to hold wrongdoers accountable for political violence, to establish the truth about past abuses and to provide comprehensive reparations for victims of human rights violations.

"News of a political agreement in Zimbabwe is reason to hope, but the country's chance to build a durable peace depends on dealing with the past and insisting on accountability," said Suliman Baldo, director of ICTJ's Africa Program. "Negotiators from the political parties must heed the calls from Zimbabwean civil society to hold perpetrators of political violence accountable."

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai declared Thursday that he and President Robert Mugabe had reached a power-sharing agreement after more than a month of on-and-off-again talks. But details of the agreement are not scheduled to be released into next week.

ICTJ supports civil society's demands to end impunity for crimes against humanity, torture, rape, corruption and other crimes of greed. ICTJ also urges that victims be allowed to recover civil damages from perpetrators, including agents of the State. There should be no guarantee of job security for those found responsible for gross human rights violations and corruption. The Zimbabwean state and the international community should work together to provide comprehensive reparations for victims of human rights violations.

A credible and independent truth seeking process should be established which holds perpetrators of past conflicts to account and provides victims the opportunity to tell their story. Transitional institutions ought to respect gender equality and the need for the participation of all marginalized communities in Zimbabwe.

ICTJ also supports the call for independent monitoring of state bodies involved in the transition, including security and judicial agencies. ICTJ calls for a system of enforceable rules to guarantee basic rights until free and fair elections are held and a new constitution, endorsed by the people, is in place.

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse. The Center works in societies emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, as well as in established democracies where historical injustices or systemic abuse remain unresolved.

To learn more about the ICTJ, please visit www.ictj.org

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