Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is strengthening institutional coordination, constitutional education and accountability within its security services to promote compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, has said.
Speaking at the Global Dialogue on International Humanitarian Law in Geneva, Switzerland, this week, Mrs Nyemba said the country introduced various constitutional, legislative and institutional measures to entrench respect for humanitarian principles.
Zimbabwe participated in the dialogue from November 3 – 4, 2026, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, alongside outcome documents from its respective workstreams.
Addressing Roundtable 1, which focused on a whole-of-society approach to building the foundations of IHL, Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe’s commitment to humanitarian values is anchored in its Constitution, particularly through provisions on human dignity, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
She noted that the Government has also strengthened the institutional framework for promoting these principles through specific legislation and coordinated implementation across different ministries.
“In this regard, the Government enacted the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act which authorises the Society as an independent auxiliary to public authorities and promotes humanitarian education, including through Junior Red Cross programmes,” she said.
Mrs Nyemba stated that her ministry, which chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, is responsible for coordinating the national implementation of IHL.
She added that measures have been implemented to reinforce discipline and accountability within the military through the Defence Act, which criminalises looting and the ill-treatment of subordinates.
Furthermore, the Government established an independent mechanism to investigate complaints of misconduct involving security service members through the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act. This legislation gives effect to Section 210 of the Constitution.
“Complementing these measures, the Government enacted the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act, pursuant to Section 210 of the Constitution, establishing an independent mechanism for investigating public complaints of misconduct by members of the security services,” Mrs Nyemba said.
She identified constitutional education as another vital component of efforts to cultivate a society that respects human rights and humanitarian principles.
Section 7 of the Constitution provides for constitutional education in schools and the training of security service personnel, helping to foster respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Mrs Nyemba concluded that Zimbabwe remains committed to strengthening institutional coordination, humanitarian education and military training to foster a sustainable culture of compliance with IHL, reaffirming the country’s readiness to collaborate with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the African Union and other international partners.
