Civil society groups on Thursday reiterated the call for transitional justice as a 'critical remedy' to massive human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and have made a joint demand for no impunity for rights abusers.

According to a statement released by the National Association of Non Governmental Organisations (NANGO) on Thursday, transitional justice in the Zimbabwean context refers to the 'pursuit of comprehensive justice during times of political transition' through certain strategies.

NANGO explained that such strategies include 'retributive justice,' and 'truth seeking' to create a more just and democratic future in Zimbabwe. The association and the broader Zimbabwean Civil society, including the Human Rights NGO Forum, have listed a set of demands for a transitional justice process - including no impunity for crimes against humanity, torture and gender based violence.

The groups have also called for a Truth Seeking Inquiry 'as a foundation for closure, reconciliation and healing.' NANGO's Farai Ngirande told Newsreel on Thursday that truth and closure are of extreme importance for the victims and survivors of human rights abuses, and argued that a Truth Seeking Inquiry will 'guarantee that victims are given the opportunity to bear testimony.'

Ngirande said perpetrators of rights abuses in Zimbabwe need to be held accountable so that Zimbabweans can build a future based on 'fundamental rights and freedoms and respect for the rule of law.' He said impunity must not reign in Zimbabwe because of the precedent it will set for the country's future.

But Ngirande also expressed frustration that any deal between ZANU PF and the MDC will likely include a form of immunity for abusers under Robert Mugabe's regime. He said such a deal is an 'injustice to the people,' and said that disempowering them in this way is yet another rights violation.