Rights, the Constitution guarantees every Zimbabwean the right to life (Section
48), right to education (Section 75), right to health care (Section 76), right to
food and water (Section 77), children’s rights (S. 81), rights of the elderly
(Section 82), rights of persons with disabilities (Section 83) as well as
environmental rights (Section 73). Zimbabwe is also a signatory to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)- (among many
others), which in its Article 3 obligates States to take precautionary measures
in order to anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change and
mitigate its adverse effects.
In addition, the UN Guidelines on Internal Displacement provide that, the
primary duty and responsibility to provide protection and assistance lies with
the State. People affected by natural disasters have the right to request and
receive such protection and assistance from their Governments. The effects of
climate change induced disasters such as cyclones directly and indirectly
threaten the full and effective enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to
life, water and sanitation, food, health, education, housing, and rights
associated with livelihood and culture; with migration and resettlement; and with
personal security.
During the monitoring exercise, the ZHRC interacted with Government officials
such as the Minister of State for Manicaland Province Honourable Ellen
Gwaradzimba and her team of government officials at provincial and district
levels that include Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Chimanimani and
Chipinge District Administrators. The team also interacted with Social Welfare
Officers and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Search and Rescue Team.
The Commission also engaged with the Member of Parliament for Chimanimani
East, Honourable Joshua Sacco, Chimanimani Town Council Chief Executive
Officer and the Deputy Council Chairperson. The ZHRC also interviewed
representatives of non – State actors working on the ground such as NonGovernmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations, private
companies and individuals assisting victims; ruling and opposition party officials
and members from the affected districts. Further, ZHRC interacted with the
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