strong sentiments to the effect that political affiliation plays a key role in the selection of artists to perform or showcase their talent at occasions such as ‘national galas’. Furthermore, such events discriminate on the basis of sectors, as musicians and dancers are usually invited and paid for their performances, yet such forums could accommodate different categories of artists. Those perceived to be critical of the government are usually not invited thereby censoring their work to conform to political priorities that have no moral or legal basis. 3.3.1 Recommendations in tandem with international obligations (UNESCO, UPR and international treaty framework) Government must make deliberate efforts to give effect to the obligations arising from the UNESCO Convention and UNESCO Recommendations regarding ensuring the full development of talent as well as defending, protecting and respecting artistic expression in the following ways:  Government must take all measures necessary to clamp down on piracy of both local and international works of art by enforcing laws such as the Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05], and the Patents Act [Chapter 26:03]. This way government fulfils its obligation to ensure artists ‘enjoy the fruits of their work’.  Government of Zimbabwe must take steps to encourage political pluralism by eliminating the practice of discriminating against artists critical of certain policies or political figures when extending invitations to artists to perform at state and/or state-related events.  Before subjecting itself to the next cycle of the review, the Government of Zimbabwe must implement recommendations from the inaugural UPR framework National Report specifically encouraging it to reform and revise laws on freedom of expression to bring these laws in line with international legal obligations.  Vague insult provisions in Section 96 of the Criminal Code (criminal defamation) must be repealed. 58 | P a g e