Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala and Michelle Musandinyoze, Chronicle Writers
ZIMBABWEANS have been urged to reject, resist and report corruption, as the scourge contributes to the economic decline of the country and poses a significant barrier to the full realisation of human rights and national development.
This call was made during the commemorations of Africa Human Rights Day (AHRD), held yesterday at the Bulawayo City Hall parking area. The event brought together stakeholders including officials from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), civil society organisations, human rights defenders and local residents.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Delivering the keynote address, ZHRC Commissioner Addelis Sibutha described the occasion as a moment for reflection and a renewed commitment to the ideals of justice, equality and dignity, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
“The Charter represents our collective promise to protect, promote and safeguard the inherent rights of every African, regardless of status, gender, ethnicity or religious belief,” said Commissioner Sibutha.
She emphasised that Zimbabwe’s Constitution clearly enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms under the Declaration of Rights, adding that true independence and dignity can only be realised when human rights are upheld for every Zimbabwean.
“Without human rights, there can be no sustainable development, no justice and no meaningful progress,” she said.
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) Communications Officer, Mr Takunda Mandura, echoed the call for collective action against corruption, noting its detrimental impact on human rights.
“When money intended for school development, healthcare facilities or community projects is stolen, that corruption directly infringes on people’s human rights. If a child is denied education because funds were diverted, that is a violation of their right to education. If clinics lack medication due to misused funds, that is a violation of the people’s right to health,” said Mr Mandura.
Mr Mandura stressed that combating corruption is essential to protecting citizens’ rights.
“We envision a Zimbabwean society free from all forms of corruption. It is through awareness campaigns, community engagement and policy advocacy that we can build a society grounded in integrity and accountability,” he said.
He also highlighted that many citizens unknowingly perpetuate corruption by bribing officials for services that should be freely accessible.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), human rights came under increasing attack globally in 2022. Some of the gravest violations occur during violent conflicts, including gender-based violence against women and girls, which has reached its highest levels since 1945.
Also present at the commemorations was the Legal Resources Foundation (LRF), an organisation that supports disadvantaged individuals who lack access to private legal services. Ms Portia Sibanda, representing LRF, explained the importance of their work in empowering communities to understand and assert their rights.
“The Legal Resources Foundation provides free or affordable legal advice, representation and education to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or income, can access justice.
“Our mission is to uplift communities and empower citizens to stand up for themselves within the legal system,” said Ms Sibanda.
Through its legal literacy and advocacy programmes, LRF helps ordinary Zimbabweans understand their rights, report abuses and navigate the justice system effectively.
“We are here for the marginalised and those whose voices often go unheard. Justice must be universal, not selective,” she said.
