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Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Peace and Reconciliation Commission has met close family members of Gukurahundi victims to formulate policy and strategy on how their deceased relatives will be exhumed and reburied.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting in Bulawayo on Thursday last week, NPRC chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare said the indaba was also meant to listen to first hand experiences of families whose relatives had already been exhumed and buried.
“In all instances the plea has been that in order to bring closure to those who lost loved ones, there is a need for remains to be exhumed and properly reburied.
“Over three decades have gone by and there has been no official process to conduct an exercise to identify burial sites and heal the living as they bury their dead with dignity,” said Justice Nare.
He said the country was coming from a painful history where thousands of people were buried in shallow mass graves and some are still missing.
“This meeting will also help us develop guidelines if required, which will determine how exhumations and reburial of victims of past conflicts can be effected.
This will be done in consultation with stakeholders that include traditional leaders and members of civic society,” said Justice Nare.
Ms Shari Appel, a historian and scientist from Ukuthula Trust which is helping NPRC with exhumations and reburials, said it was necessary for aggrieved families to go through the process.
“Firstly, it is important to note that being buried properly and with dignity is a human right which we should uphold as a country in our communities. We know that these exhumations may not reverse what was done or erase poverty and all but it will go a long way in ensuring that affected families are at peace knowing their relatives are buried properly,” she said.
The NPRC is mandated by the Constitution to, inter alia, ensure post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation as well as develop and implement programmes to promote national healing, unity and cohesion in Zimbabwe and the peaceful resolution of disputes. – @thamamoe
Online Reporter