N AT I O N A L I N Q U I R Y R E P O R T ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION For Human Dignity GLOSSARY OF TERMS Disability: long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Gender: A social and cultural construct, which distinguishes differences in the attributes of men and women, girls and boys, and accordingly refers to the roles and responsibilities of men and women. Gukurahundi: Refers to the post-independence massacres which happened in Matabeleland and parts of Midlands Provinces in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. Human Rights and Freedoms: Entitlements and freedoms that apply to every person in the world by virtue of being human. Human Rights Based Approach: A conceptual framework for the process of human development that is normatively based on international human rights standards and operationally directed to promoting and protecting human rights. It seeks to analyse inequalities which lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede development progress. Identity: The characteristics and qualities of a person, considered collectively, and regarded as essential to that person’s self-awareness. Independent Commission: An institution created for a specific purpose with the authority to act independently, that is, free from outside or political control for example Chapter 12 Commissions in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Indigenous Peoples: Are distinct ethnic communities who are believed to be the first inhabitants of a geographical region, and whose identities and cultures are inextricably linked to the land on which they live and the natural resources on which they depend. Intersex: A person born with a combination of male and female biological traits. Lobola: A traditional practise/custom by which a bridegroom's family makes a payment in cattle or cash or both to the bride's family as part of the marriage process. National Inquiry: An investigation into a systemic human rights problem in which the general public is invited to participate. Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, decision making, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. Policy: A set of ideas or a plan that is used as a basis for making decisions. Public Hearings: A process of receiving testimony in public from stakeholders and the members of the public on a certain issue. Statelessness: A situation whereby a person is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its laws. Treaty Body or Committee: A committee of independent experts appointed by State Parties to oversee implementation by States, of an international human rights Treaty. The Treaties use the term “committee” throughout, but these committees are widely known as “Treaty Bodies” because they are created in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty which they oversee. xi x