Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom Thematic Working Groups (TWGS) [continued] The TWG joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd of December 2015. The theme for 2015 was: “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment of people of all abilities”. The TWG produced a press release which was published on the Commission's website and in selected newspapers. Amongst other issues, the press release called for the government to prioritise the protection of the rights for people with disabilities. Further, the ZHRC pledged to work with all stakeholders in the protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights of people with disabilities. On the 27th of October 2015 the TWG attended a workshop organized by the National Age Network of Zimbabwe, a coalition of civic organizations and government departments working with older persons. The priority areas were security of incomes and livelihoods, quality health, HIV and care services, participation and support during emergencies, disaster reduction, climate change and mitigation efforts. It was resolved that besides the Older Persons Act, government should introduce an Ageing Policy which should take into account issues of social assistance for older persons, harmonize the legal age for seniority in the Constitution, Acts of Parliament and human rights instruments which provide for 60, 65 and 70 years. 10.7 International Agreements and Treaties Thematic Working Groups The establishment of the International Agreements TWG was prompted by the fact that human rights are universal and Zimbabwean citizens should fully enjoy these rights like all other citizens globally. The Zimbabwe Government has acknowledged the universality of human rights by ratifying several international human rights agreements/treaties.1 However, ratification of international agreements on its own is not sufficient to ensure the full enjoyment of the rights enshrined in those agreements by the citizens of Zimbabwe. There is need for their domestication in national laws and policies as well as their implementation. The TWG on International Agreements will assist the ZHRC in its contribution towards ensuring that Zimbabwe is a party to all the relevant international and regional human rights instruments and observes the letter and spirit of those instruments. The TWG will assist the ZHRC in its reporting obligations to regional and international bodies on various human rights concerns, being guided by the Paris principles.2 1 The Treaties ratified by Zimbabwe includes, among others the following, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. 2 Principle 3(d) states that NHRIs have an obligation; “To contribute to the reports which States are required to submit to United Nations bodies and committees, and to regional institutions, pursuant to their treaty obligations and, where necessary, to express an opinion on the subject, with due respect for their independence” Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2015 45