In 2014, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) continued to shape the human rights and legal discourse of the country, relying in large part on its core interventions and expertise, which have stood the test of time, whilst drawing on the potential of the new Constitution, which had come into effect in May 2013. The operating environment and context, although different from previous periods in Zimbabwe’s history, remained challenging for all sectors of society. Whilst a reinvigorated ruling party, with a considerable parliamentary majority, remained in control, reform of old practices impinging on fundamental rights and freedoms remained largely elusive. Expectations of greater respect for citizens’ rights, constitutional compliance, and service delivery were very high; moreso as a result of the inclusion in Zimbabwe’s new supreme law of obligations on the state to progressively (but swiftly) deliver social and economic justice. New re-engagement efforts between the government and the international community and, to some extent, between the state and civil society, required new methods of work and interactions by all parties. Time will tell, however, whether the efforts will contribute to improved governance, accountability and respect for the rule of law. What is certain – and what informed ZLHR’s interventions throughout the year – was the need for increased efforts to confront national challenges collectively (contributing skills, legal expertise and thought leadership on policy, institutional and legislative reforms); provide services to and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in society; and ensure that, as a conscientious and responsible civic actor, ZLHR maintains and strengthens its oversight role in holding to account all actors (particularly the state as primary duty-bearer) in providing effective, transparent, cost-effective and accountable services to Zimbabweans across the political, social, economic and cultural spectra. It is not easy to speak truth to power; ZLHR staff and its members were not spared the wrath of certain state actors during the course of the year, in their fight against impunity. Nevertheless, ZLHR was not deterred from continuing to provide legal support services to individuals, communities, and a range of national, regional and community-based organisations asserting their fundamental rights and freedoms through legitimate activities. An increase in assertion of social and economic rights was also evident from the cases taken up by our members and secretariat in the ten provinces of the country. During the year, ZLHR made steady and concerted strides towards becoming more accessible to local communities outside main cities and towns, thus bringing social and economic justice and constitutional literacy to the doorsteps of peri-urban and rural communities. This was achieved through the rollout of one-stop mobile legal clinics where ZLHR members enthusiastically played a pivotal role in offering free Beatrice Mtetwa — Chairperson, ZLHR ZLHR Annual Report 2014 5 2. Statement from Chairperson and Executive Director