THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT |ZIMBABWE I 2017
4
5
6
International human rights obligations. The
government of Zimbabwe does not hesitate
to append its signatures on international
human rights instruments. A mechanism must
be put in place to ensure that international
obligations signed upon by the government
are followed up to their practical
implementation. Parliament must be fully
capacitated and equipped with tools to track
any such obligations and ensure all legal
processes are undertaken for the country to
enjoy the benefits of such commitments.
Implementation of all constitutional
obligations. Section 324 of the Constitution
itself requires that its obligations be
implemented with speed and diligence. Five
years since the Constitution was adopted,
some institutions established by the
constitution remain outstanding. These
include provisions relating to devolution and
transitional justice. There are no options
to cherry pick. Implementation of all
outstanding provisions of the Constitution
including alignment of laws must be treated as
a matter of urgency.
7
8
9
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
must be migrated from the President Office
to a fully independent institution. In the
recent past, the ZACC has lost the trust of
the people because of its proximity to the
Office of the President. Such a scenario makes
it difficult for the ZACC to carry out
investigations for matter that may involve the
Office of the President.
Reports of Commissions. The government
of Zimbabwe has an obligation to implement
the recommendations from the findings of
independent Commissions. In the past,
reports by the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission have been ignored.
Relevant government Ministries must
develop regulations that put in place
mechanisms to make schools, children,
personnel and equipment is protected from
political abuse in line with the recommendations
of the ZHRC.
The Legal Aid Act must be revamped in line
10 with the Model Law on Legal Aid in Criminal
Justice Systems proposed by the United
Nations. In the same line, the Legal Aid
Directorate must be reformed and made
independent to align with international best
practices to regain the confidence of the
people.
Provision of resources to independent
institutions supporting democracy. It is a
priority that the independent institutions
supporting democracy can do their
work. Sufficient resources must be deployed
to such institutions as the Zimbabwe
Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe
Gender Commission, the National Peace and
Reconciliation Commission among others to
ensure that they are able to be effective in
their work.
63
Select target paragraph3
Add to table of contents