Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom Thematic Working Groups (TWGS) [continued] 10.3 Civil and Political Rights Thematic Working Group The TWG on Civil and Political Rights, was established in order to ensure that Zimbabwean citizens participate in decision making, are fairly represented, able to seek redress for discrimination, and conduct business with public officials openly and in a transparent manner, without fear or favour. The TWG is in the process of finalising the terms of reference for its work before appointing members from various organisations including CSOs to enable the TWG to be fully functional, particularly for purposes of voter education and election monitoring for the general election in 2018. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, it is not yet operationalised. As such it was not able to have any activities of its own during 2015. However, working together with the Monitoring and Inspections Unit of the ZHRC, the members of the TWG were able to participate in the by-elections that were held in Zimbabwe throughout the year. It is hoped that funds permitting the TWG will be operational in 2016 and will be able to work on the realisation and fulfilment of Civil and Political rights in Zimbabwe. 10.4 Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Thematic Working Group The TWG is in the process of coming up with terms of reference for its work before appointing members from various organisations including CSOs to enable the TWG to be fully functional in 2016. The Economic Social and Cultural Rights TWG did not have resources to operationalize in 2015. However, it managed to attend a number of meetings. On 18 February 2015 the ZHRC attended the workshop hosted by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe which aimed at bringing together different stakeholders to input into the Consumer Protection Bill. The workshop also aimed at mapping a way forward for the drafters of the law on Consumer Protection law by drawing lessons from countries like South Africa which have successfully operationalised Consumer Protection laws. It was highlighted that The Consumer Protection Act of South Africa promotes and advances the social and economic welfare of consumers in South Africa and thus the law in Zimbabwe should aim to do the same. The ZHRC attended a one day Water Conference on 9 March 2015 hosted by the Combined Harare Residents Association. The conference aimed at presenting the arguments for and against prepaid water meters and make informed positions for advocacy. This came against a background of local authorities having announced the impending installation of prepaid water meters. 42 Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2015