adminSenior Reporter
VICE President Emmerson Mnangagwa found no Government officials to welcome him when he arrived at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Mutare yesterday (Thursday) where he addressed stakeholders to a consultative workshop on human rights.
The Vice President who arrived in a convoy of two vehicles, disembarked from his vehicle and walked all the way up to the hotel conference room alone with his aides. Participants stood up as he went to take up his seat and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, quickly gave a brief account of the objectives of the workshop.
Soon after finishing her brief, Mrs Mabhiza gave the platform to the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office, Cde Clifford Sibanda who introduced Cde Mnangagwa to the participants.
In his welcome remarks the Vice President noted the presence of Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa who was representing the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene.
In his address, Cde Mnangagwa said Government was ready to address any human rights violations, urging members of the public to report transgressions to relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate action was taken.
Cde Mnangagwa who is also the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs said Government remained committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
“It is essential for all Zimbabweans to embrace the Constitution, to understand what it stands for and to fully appreciate the rights and freedoms enshrined therein and granted to them. Once our people understand the Constitution, they will be in a better position to enforce their rights.
“I must point out at this juncture that the Government stands ready to address any violations of human rights in the country. However it is up to the public to ensure that they report such violations to the relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate action is taken,” he said.
Cde Mnangagwa said the country was fulfilling its reporting obligations under various human rights instruments.
“Government recently presented its second periodic report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to the Committee of Experts on the Rights of the Child and I am reliably informed that the report was well received by the Committee.”
The Vice President later left to address another meeting of manufacturers under the banner of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
Online Reporter