and practical challenges. In urban areas many people resorted to vending, selling all sorts of wares in the streets as a desperate coping mechanism to earn a living. This led to conflicts with urban councils and law enforcement agents often manifesting in running battles with the vendors as authorities tried, with little success, to force them to trade in designated areas. A severe drought for the second consecutive year had a toll on agricultural production and many rural households had to rely on food relief programmes. The Commission received a number of complaints alleging politicisation of food aid and agricultural inputs prompting the Commission to carry out investigations on the issue. The investigations confirmed some of the allegations leading the ZHRC to release a statement through a press conference condemning discriminatory and partisan distribution of aid. In general, socio – economic challenges were experienced throughout the year and had a negative impact on enjoyment of socio-economic rights. Such challenges included the continued economic decline, high levels of unemployment, food insecurity, limited provision of basic services such as quality education, quality health, provision of clean water and sanitation, and a dilapidated road network. 11.1. RECOMMENDATIONS In view of the on-going violations, the ZHRC urges the Government of Zimbabwe to: 11.1.1. Improve on service delivery and be committed to finding a lasting solution to the ever declining social and economic conditions 11.1.2. Speedy realignment of all laws that do not comply with the Constitution. 11.1.3. Operationalize the outstanding Independent Commissions such as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) and the Gender Commission. 11.1.4. Continue to source for durable solutions to address economic challenges which are in turn contributing to the violation of rights. 11.1.5. Refrain from interfering with the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution such as freedom of assembly, association and freedom of conscience. Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 45