Online Reporter
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is gaining traction, buoyed by its demonstrated commitment to international peace, humanitarian principles and refugee protection frameworks.
Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, currently on a five-day visit to Zimbabwe, expressed strong admiration for the country’s efforts after touring Tongogara Refugee Settlement and the Green Fuel ethanol production plant in Chipinge district Saturday.
Their assessment adds weight to Harare’s campaign for a UNSC seat for the 2027–2028 term.
Zimbabwe’s alignment with global frameworks, particularly its adherence to international peace and security treaties and commitments under the Global Compact on Refugees, has positioned it favourably on the global stage.
To operationalise the compact adopted in 2018, Zimbabwe submitted pledges at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum aimed at improving the welfare of refugees and host communities.
These pledges include enhancing self-reliance for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities by 2027, strengthening their inclusion in sport and cultural programmes, and expanding access to tertiary education.
Plans are also in place to establish a technical and vocational training centre equipped with an innovation hub and blended learning programmes.
Against this backdrop, visiting diplomats said Zimbabwe’s practical implementation of these commitments reflects a strong dedication to promoting global peace and security – a key requirement for countries seeking a seat on the UNSC.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Tongogara tour, Austria’s deputy Permanent Representative Stefan Pretterhofer said: “We are here as Permanent Representatives to the UN on a five-day visit to the country. We are very impressed by the work that we have seen covered by this Government, especially here at Tongogara Refugee Settlement, where you have people being given an opportunity to live in peace and progress with their lives after failing to do so in their own countries. It is touching to note the level of commitment that the Government of Zimbabwe has put in affording citizens from other countries a better life.”
The delegation noted that Zimbabwe’s achievements under the Second Republic, particularly in humanitarian and development spheres, reinforce its credentials for international leadership.
They described the country’s UNSC bid as reflective of its growing influence and standing within Africa.
In a separate interview, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said Zimbabwe pursues an open-door policy for refugees.
“Your Excellencies, your visit today is crucial for advancing our common and shared interests in the area of peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian work, among others.
“Equally important, this visit is a testament to your unwavering commitment towards refugee protection and the principles of solidarity,” she said.
“Your Excellencies, Zimbabwe has a long history of protecting refugees dating back to the early 1980s when the country hosted over 200 000 of our brothers and sisters from the region. The refugees were then repatriated in 1994.
“Unfortunately, today, world peace is threatened by a persistent paradox of wars, conflicts and human rights abuses. As a result, the refugee crisis continues unabated across the globe. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported at the end of June 2025 that there were nearly 42,5 million refugees.
“Therefore, in line with the enduring spirit of peace and humanitarian development, Zimbabwe pursues an open-door policy for refugees.
“To date, the country is home to over 12 000 refugees and asylum seekers from different parts of Africa and beyond.
“Majority of whom, that is, 11 582 are domiciled here at Tongogara Refugee Settlement. Your Excellencies, despite the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the country, Zimbabwe is hosting refugees in line with the dictates of the international refugee law, international law, human rights treaties and Ubuntu principles.
“Your Excellencies, we are particularly delighted that we have scored a first in aligning our refugee protection to the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. The Government of Zimbabwe is promoting a humanitarian-development-peace nexus.”
Deputy Minister Dinha highlighted some of the empowerment initiatives that the Government has put in place for refugees at Tongogara Refugee Settlement.
“This approach has seen the implementation of strategic developmental initiatives with a view of turning around the fortunes of the refugee population. Your Excellencies, the Government of Zimbabwe availed land and developed 175 hectares for irrigation purposes. The scheme is benefiting 647 households from the refugee community and host communities. This shock responsive livelihood intervention is building resilience, enhancing food and nutrition security and income generation for the community,” she added.
“In addition, in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind in development, the Government of Zimbabwe rolled out other strategic self-reliance interventions. For example, working with our development actors and the private sector, the Government is commercialising poultry, piggery and fishery projects. The overarching goal is to empower refugees and position them as active players in the country’s development trajectory.
“Your Excellencies, to enhance food and nutrition security, the Government of Zimbabwe extended 7 112 tonnes of cereal since 2023 to support food needs of the refugee community. This is part of the broader commitment by the Government to enhance quality, consistent and predictable social protection interventions.
“Your Excellencies, the Government of Zimbabwe promotes and protects refugee rights in totality. To enhance the realisation of such rights, the Government implements an inclusive policy for all in education, health, child rights, religious rights and related rights.
“Refugee children are integrated in the Zimbabwean education system from primary to tertiary education. We are enhancing availability, accessibility and affordability of education to refugee children. The same policy applies to health where refugees are included all the way to tertiary health services.
“Allow me to conclude by reaffirming the Government of Zimbabwe’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace and security, human rights and justice as well as sustainable development.”
Tinaye Agere