Resume
The project will empower chiefs & community leaders to ensure ethical village hearings, related to past human rights abuses under the Gukurahundi in the 1980s in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, take place. The effects of these abuses are still affecting individuals & communities negatively holding back the development of the region. This will be the last opportunity thousands of victims will have of placing their testimonies safely on the public record before they die, and of the region making claims for restorative justice. Based on this documentation the chiefs will advocate for the recognition of the victims by the duty bearers & that the victims can seek redress and eventually receive compensation. Testifying victims and other participants in the hearings who require attention due to (re-)traumatization, will be attended to by the trained lay counsellors. Those victims who require more attention will be referred to the counsellors and mental health experts of Ukuthula Trust & Tree of Life.