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Crime Reporter
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has applauded Government for the commendable progress it has made in implementing provisions of the Constitution.
Every May, Zimbabwe celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the current home-grown Constitution approved by the Parliament of Zimbabwe on May 9, 2013 and assented to by the President on May 22, 2013 to replace the Lancaster House Constitution.
Zimbabwe is founded on the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, respect for inherent dignity of each person, and respect for the equality of all human beings in particular gender equality and good governance.
In a statement, ZHRC said, “As the nation celebrates the 11th year after adoption of the Constitution, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) reminds the nation of the need to critically take stock of the progress being made to implement it and safeguard it as a national heritage document. The ZHRC applauds the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) for commendable progress in the implementation of the provisions of the Constitution.”
These include:
Implementation of the rights of arrested, accused and detained persons provided in sections 50 and 70 of the Constitution, to appear before a court in 48 hours and to be granted bail where applicable,
Establishment and operationalisation of the Chapter 12 Independent Commissions supporting democracy,
Devolution and decentralisation of governmental power and functions in line with Section 264 and implementation of Section 210,
Notable progress on the establishment of an Independent Complaints Mechanism to handle cases of misconduct involving members of the security services.
Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through the National Disability Policy as well as the drafting of the Bill to provide legislative protection of their rights
Several legal instruments to strengthen the protection of children’s rights including aligning the age of consent and marriage and age of majority to the Constitution
Implementation of youth and women’s quotas in Parliament and local authorities.
It also noted progress in the implementation of rights of veterans of the liberation struggle including those who assisted in the war of liberation in line with Section 84.
“Progress in the abolition of the death penalty, especially the ongoing public consultations, abolition of judicial corporal punishment as well as corporal punishment in schools in line with Section 53.
“Of great interest to the ZHRC in line with its mandate and work is a reflection on the promotion and protection of human rights as provided for in Chapter 4 of the Constitution, our national laws, and international and regional instruments that Zimbabwe is party to. ZHRC notes that the broadened scope of rights in the Constitution has over the years facilitated domestication of provisions in many international and regional instruments and that, coupled with progress made in alignment of national laws to the Constitution, has provided a solid legal basis for the promotion and protection of human rights,” ZHFC said.
The commission said a key positive feature of the Constitution is the inclusion of socio-economic rights as justiciable rights, thereby obligating the State to take progressive steps to fulfil them so that people live dignified lives.
“As Zimbabwe celebrates the 11th Anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the ZHRC urges the Government, institutions, and individuals to adhere to the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution to ensure sustainable development as well as a just and equitable society.
“The Government, its institutions, and agencies must uphold constitutional standards in all aspects of governance and decision-making.
“The Constitution provides a legal framework for the protection and promotion of human rights, accountability of public officials, and transparency in Government operations.
The ZHRC calls upon all stakeholders and every citizen to uphold constitutional provisions as they are a cornerstone for democracy and human rights in the country.”
ZHRC also commended President Mnangagwa for the historic and bold decision to withhold his assent to the prior Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill to allow greater public participation and airing of views.
Online Reporter