Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo,Check Point Desk
THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has initiated investigations against a security company that forced an employee to provide evidence that she was HIV positive before summarily dismissing her from work.
The 40-year-old security guard had gone to a Gokwe clinic where she receives treatment, for a mandatory review.
The security company initially said she could go unless there was sound proof that she was HIV positive.
The guard eventually succumbed to pressure to bring proof of being HIV positive from the company’s Bulawayo secretary Ms Precious Mambewu.
Reacting to published articles by Zimpapers, ZHRC chairperson, Ms Jessie Majome, who is in Gambia for the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, said the Commission will immediately start investigations with the aim of fulfilling its mandate of promoting, enforcing and seeking redress for human rights violations.
“Thank you for exposing this battery of violations against a person on the basis of their health condition. The reported conduct of the employer is outrageous and intolerable as, if true, violates six clear provisions of the constitution,” said Ms Majome.
She said the provisions of the Constitution guarantee the rights to;
1. Inherent dignity in private and public life and to have that dignity respected – Section 51;
2. Equality and non-discrimination and equal protection of the law – Section 56;
3. Protection from inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment- Section 53;
4. Privacy including not to have one’s health condition disclosed- Section – 57(e);
5. To fair and safe labour practices as well as just, equitable and satisfactory conditions of work – Section 65 (1) and (4) and access to basic health care services and for chronic illness – Section 76 (1) and (2).
“The ZHRC will therefore investigate this issue you have brought to our attention with the aim of fulfilling its mandate of promoting, enforcing and seeking redress for human rights violations,” said Ms Majome.
