Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan 2015-2020 10.7 ADVANCING ACCOUNTABILITY The Commission has noted with concern, the prevalence of cases of corruption, abuse of office and maladministration in public institutions, and the negative impact on socio-economic and cultural development. In the justice delivery sector for instance, reported cases and complaints are often not investigated, or prosecuted, and sometimes unfair convictions or acquittals are passed due to corrupt officials. In its capacity as the public protector, the ZHRC has developed effective strategies, monitoring mechanisms and initiatives to protect the public against abuse of power and maladministration by State and public institutions and by officers of those institutions. (Action Plan Ref: Outputs 3F and 3G) 10.7.1 Culture of Impunity - To eliminate the prevailing culture of impunity the ZHRC will aggressively monitor the prosecution of all human rights violators, with the view to establishing a strong national culture of accountability. The ZHRC will push for enforcement of deterrent measures against human rights abusers and will implement initiatives to strengthen its investigative and enforcement function. (Action Plan Ref: Outputs 12B) 10.7.2 Powers and enforcement capacity of the ZHRC - The Constitution bestows significant powers on the ZHRC for the advancement of human rights. The ZHRC will assert its authority to eliminate impunity and bring about positive change. All human rights offenders and public office abusers will be investigated for possible prosecution by relevant authorities, and treated the same regardless of political affiliation, race or financial stature. (Action Plan Ref: Outputs 12B) 10.8 HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES IN ZIMBABWE All human rights are important and cannot easily be ranked in any order of importance. However, given the socio-economic impact of the economic decline in Zimbabwe, there is an urgent need to prioritize basic socio-economic rights such as the right to clean water, food, education, health and shelter. These are indispensable rights and cannot be denied. 10.8.1 Thematic Working Groups - The ZHRC has established a number of thematic working groups with different Commissioners assigned to chair the different groups. Specific budgets and resource mobilisation plans to support programs under each of these thematic focus areas will be developed. Operationalization of these thematic groups will be key in enhancing the ZHRC’s effectiveness. Although the Commission may from time 25