‘Food security remains a threat’

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE Government has made significant strides in upholding human rights although the country’s food security has remained a threat to individual rights.

Presenting the first report of the thematic committee on peace and security on the state of human rights situation in Zimbabwe in the Senate last week, the committee’s chairperson Senator Retired Lieutenant General Mike Nyambuya lauded the Government for its commitment in promoting human rights.

Rtd Lt Gen Nyambuya said the country’s subscription to various human rights instruments was a confirmation of its dedication to respecting individual rights.

He said Government’s decision to promulgate laws to protect human rights was a step in the right direction.

“The State has also taken legislative, policy and administrative steps, to some extent, to give further legal safeguards to the enjoyment of the rights contained in the various regional and international instruments that the country is party to. A good example is the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013 that provides an expansive Bill of Rights that strengthens the various civil and political rights and includes protective provisions of some economic, social and cultural rights that were not previously justifiable,” he said.

Rtd Lt Gen Nyambuya however said economic challenges facing the country were dampening the defence of human rights.

“It is pertinent to note that there have been some violations of social and economic rights as well as civil and political rights due to a number of factors. Key drivers for the violations include the deteriorating economic situation and the El Niño induced drought as well as political polarisation,” said Rtd Lt Gen Nyambuya.

He said some of the human rights violations are witnessed in the health service delivery, provision of food and water as well as defending children’s rights.

Rtd Lt Gen Nyambuya said human rights violations are still being experienced in prisons where inmates do not have adequate food and clothing.

For the protection of human rights, he said, the committee recommended that the Government should avail adequate resources to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission so that the commission can effectively execute its duties.