ZHRC REPORT ON THE FIRST MONITORING VISIT TO CHIMANIMANI AND
CHIPINGE IN THE AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE IDAI, 25-29 MARCH 2019
1. Introduction
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) carried out a human rights
situation monitoring exercise in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts in
Manicaland Province in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai. The Cyclone occurred
from the 15th of March 2019 and, in Zimbabwe, it mostly impacted Manicaland’s
Chimanimani and Chipinge districts where lives were lost, public infrastructure,
houses, household properties and livestock were also destroyed. The
monitoring visit was in line with the ZHRC’s functions elaborated in Section 243
(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe to; monitor, assess and ensure the
observance of human rights and freedoms.
Thus, the main purpose of the mission was to have a first-hand assessment
and appreciation of effects of the cyclone on the affected families and
communities. Further, the Commission’s monitoring visit assessed the relief
and recovery response mechanism by Government and its partners using
human rights principles and guidelines.
2. Methodology
The ZHRC human rights monitoring and assessment visit was guided and
informed by national, regional and international legal frameworks and
standards that guarantee and facilitate protection and promotion of human
rights including in situations of disasters and emergencies. The founding values
of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, in Section 3 (1) (c), (e) and (f), state that
Zimbabwe is founded on the respect for fundamental human rights and
freedoms; the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human
being; and recognition of the equality of all human beings. Under the Bill of
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