guide and set standards on the establishment and operations of NHRIs and
emphasize the need for partnerships with CSOs in the execution of their constitutional
mandates to ensure pluralism and inclusiveness in national efforts so as to establish
a strong and vibrant human rights culture in Zimbabwe.
He also pointed out that such partnerships and collaboration between ZHRC and Civil
Society would go a long way to ensure that scarce resources are shared, resources
are used effectively, and duplication of effort is avoided. Commissioner Mugwadi
noted that Civil Society operates at the grass roots level, is wide spread, and as such
has valuable information about the local human rights situation in communities which
may not be readily available to ZHRC. Therefore the Commission can tap on the
technical expertise of Civil Society to execute its mandate, including paying attention
to emerging human rights issues in areas where the Commission may not be present.
NHRIs are also expected to act as a bridge between the state and civil society
especially where there are disagreements, mistrust or suspicion concerning human
rights issues within the country.
After signing the MOUs, the CSOs in turn expressed their commitment to partnering
with ZHRC in ensuring implementation of the MOUs. The Zimbabwe Human Rights
NGO Forum, in particular made an undertaking to collaborate with ZHRC to ensure
that the work of the Commission was effectively supported by Civil Society at regional
and international levels, as well.
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