Key Outcomes of the 2019 NTJWG Conference held on 29 August, 2019 at Cresta Lodge, Harare.
On 29 August, 2019 the NTJWG hosted a Stakeholders’ Conference which was attended by seventy-one participants from the civil society and church leaders who formed the NTJWG and participate in its activities. Issues such as the strategy, vacant positions and representation of survivors in the Working Group were discussed. Below, are the main outcomes of the conference.
1. Presentation of Findings from the NTJWG Evaluation Report
- Plenary emphasised the need for an effective communication strategy that includes translation of materials into local languages as well as braille and sign language. Further, the secretariat should consider alternatives to web-based communication systems for stakeholders and geographic areas that face internet coverage and cost challenges.
- Plenary highlighted the critical role of the NTJWG in equipping stakeholders to carry out TJ work.
- Plenary recommended the review the current functions, set up and operationalisation of thematic committees so that they are more effective for TJ work. It was proposed that the committees be further devolved to district level.
- The NTJWG should remain flexible to deal with TJ issues as they arise at national/provincial or sector level
2. Draft NTJWG Strategy 2019 – 2023
- The draft strategy was adopted by stakeholders pending the incorporation of suggested changes.
- The vision of NTJWG should be anchored in human rights. When working against the grain, NTJWG should be mindful of political, social, economic hinderances and be realistic about what can be achieved and what should be prioritised.
- Plenary noted that the strategy should place emphasis on harnessing indigenous mechanisms on TJ and learning from local communities of practice.
- Emphasis should also be placed on strengthening internal coordination capacities.
- The TJ pillars should include mediation as part of dialogue and reparations.
- The strategy should consider methodologies of translating TJ to young people and
- Parliamentary briefings should be conducted on a bi-annual or quarterly basis. Additional briefings should be conducted for the media fraternity.
3. Presentation on Process of Elections
- Plenary accepted the proposal to develop rules of procedures on office tenure and notification of an election later this year or early next year. Thus, all nominations are temporary until the election.
- There was consensus that the elections for the current vacancies and newly created positions (thematic leader on rehabilitation and reparations, survivor welfare, gender and knowledge management) will take place through a devolved process at thematic committee level as set out in the election process note.
- The deadline for submission of nominations is 13 September, 2019.
- The NTJWG Secretariat will forward a list of organisations that are eligible across the thematic areas by 30 August 2019. The secretariat will support the election processes as necessary.