ZLHR Annual Report 2014 8 33 Institutional Strengthening and Accountability Programme 33 Rights Literacy Programme 33 Protection of Human Rights Defenders Programme Programme staff Programme staff Manager: Connie Nawaigo-Zhuwarara Programme staff: Agnes Muzondo; Maureen Sibanda-Shonge; Nosimilo Chanayiwa Manager: Tinashe Mundawarara Programme staff: Bekezela Mapanda; Nyasha Sanie; Prisca Dube; Kennedy Majamanda Programme staff Manager: Roselyn Hanzi Assisted by: Blessing Nyamaropa Programme Staff: Jeremiah Bamu; Kennedy Masiye; Peggy Tavagadza This priority area seeks to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of state institutions in delivering on their mandate in order to remain accountable to the public. Through various activities, ZLHR seeks to ensure increased public awareness and scrutiny of the key rule of law state institutions, particularly those involved in justice delivery. ZLHR specifically focuses on the police, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Judiciary and the Prisons to contribute towards improved accountability and changed attitudes and practices. It also aims at enhancing the oversight role of Parliament and constitutional commissions (particularly the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission) in holding the other arms of government accountable to the constitutional ethos. This programme also contributes to research around strengthening the Constitution through policy and legislative reform, with information being disseminated to various stakeholders from community to national level. This programme area seeks to empower communities to become active citizens through sharing of constitutional and rights-based infor­ mation, participation in public dialogue and targeted debates, and dissemination of simplified IEC material. The objective is, not only to increase knowledge on the constitutional provisions, the duties of the arms of government and general human rights norms and standards, but also how to use this information to take action in asserting their rights and protecting the Constitution and the rule of law. In the long term, provision of such information will empower women, men, youth and marginalised groups from all social, economic and political backgrounds to effectively assert their rights, call for transparency and hold those in public office accountable. Communities will also be able to engage in governance issues from an informed perspective. Key interventions through this flagship pro­ gramme include provision of a legal safety net, capacity building through trainings and other support, research and advocacy. The activities are earmarked to ensure that human rights defenders are not only able to continue with their work in the knowledge that they are able to access affordable legal support services, but also do so in a safe environment where they are informed of their rights and the latest developments relating to this sector. A holistic integrated approach that is also forward-looking will see this programme increasingly building the skills, expertise and litigation capacity of lawyers – particularly the younger generation – for sustained interest in the legal defence of human rights defenders, and in strategic litigation and advocacy. This is complemented by another dimension of advocacy work carried out at national, regional and inter­ national platforms, to increase awareness on safety and other challenges faced by human rights defenders at the national and regional levels, as well as learning from best practices to improve future support.