TRC Final Report

Volume 5

Chapter 5

Subsection 5

■ PRINCIPLES OF REPARATION AND REHABILITATION POLICY

Development-centred

46 This policy is development-centred. Central to the approach is a focus on resources, knowledge and choice. Development is not about provision of resources to passive individuals, but rather about actively empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own lives. In adherence to this principle, it is essential to provide individuals with sufficient knowledge and information about available resources and to help them utilise those resources to their maximum benefit.

47 Implementation must be a participatory process. This strengthens collective community development and local reconstruction and development initiatives.

Simplicity and efficacy

48 The policy should be simple, efficient and fair to ensure that the allocated resources are utilised to the maximum benefit of the recipients.

Cultural appropriateness

49 The services developed as a result of this policy should be responsive to the religious and cultural beliefs and practices of the community in which the services are provided.

Community-based

50 In consultation with appropriate ministries, community-based services and delivery should be strengthened and expanded to have a lasting and sustainable impact on communities.

Capacity development

51 Those community resources that are developed should focus not only on delivery of services, but also on local capacity building, to ensure sustainability of programmes.

Promoting healing and reconciliation

52 The activities that emerge from this policy should aim to bring people together, to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation.

53 The Act provides for two stages in the process of Reparation and Rehabilitation, namely, Urgent Interim Reparation and Final Reparation Measures.