Commission bemoans human rights defenders’ abuse in Zimbabwe

By Tendai Chisiri

Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has set up recommendations  to stakeholders involved with the issues of human rights in the country in light of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe.

In a pres statement, ZHRC said they have noted the infringement of the rights of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe as a national human rights institution supporting democracy. The recommendations are to the Government of Zimbabwe, political parties,the regional and international community as well as the citizens and human rights defenders

“To: The Government of Zimbabwe

a) ZHRC calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to respect, protect, promote

and fulfil all the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Rights as provided for by

section 44 of the Constitution.

b) ZHRC calls upon the Government to safeguard and advance human rights as

dictated by international human rights law and the obligations imposed by

treaties and conventions Zimbabwe is party to”.

“To: Political Parties

a) Political parties are urged to desist from aiding and abetting violations of human

rights through incitement and perpetration of violence.

b) Political parties should promote enjoyment of the rights to peace, human dignity

and personal security as enshrined in sections 51 and 52 of the Constitution”.

“To: The Regional and International Community

a) The Regional and International Community is urged to abide by the principles

encapsulated in the Charter of the United Nations. Article 2 (1) of the UN

Charter reiterates the need to respect the sovereignty of member States,

including the Republic of Zimbabwe, by refraining from divisive politics.

b) The Regional and International Community is urged to support Zimbabwe in

coming up with domestic solutions to its political and socio-economic

challenges and also facilitate elimination of conflict and hostility between the

State and its citizens”.

“To: Citizens and Human Rights Defenders

Citizens of Zimbabwe and human rights defenders are urged to exercise their rights

responsibly, always taking cognisance of the escalating public health threat being

posed by the Covid-19 pandemic by refraining from peddling false news that is divisive and incitive”, reads the press statement.