Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has raised concern over alleged human rights violations in mining communities, citing labour conditions, displacement, water contamination and damage to homes and livelihoods.
ZHRC chairperson, Mr Anele Ndebele, said communities affected by mining continued to approach the commission with complaints and called for stronger oversight of mining activities and fair remedies for those affected.
He was presenting a statement on Zimbabwe’s human rights situation at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Dakar, Senegal, yesterday.
“Communities affected by mining continue to raise concerns with the ZHRC about labour conditions, displacement, water contamination, dust and damage to homes and livelihoods,” said Mr Ndebele.
“We encourage stronger oversight, meaningful consultation with affected communities, and fair remedies where harm has occurred.”
Mr Ndebele said improvements in legislation and Government policies needed to be matched by tangible progress in protecting people’s rights.
He called on the Government to adequately resource institutions responsible for promoting and protecting human rights to enable them to discharge their mandates effectively.
Mr Ndebele said constitutional changes assigning peace and reconciliation functions to the ZHRC had placed additional responsibilities on the institution.
“To discharge it effectively, the Commission will require the necessary resources, capacity and practical support,” he said.
The commission also highlighted concerns over overcrowding in detention facilities, child labour and child marriage, which were raised during the African Commission’s promotion mission to Zimbabwe from March 30 to April 2 this year.
On healthcare, Mr Ndebele acknowledged investments in facilities, equipment and medicines but said more needed to be done to retain health workers, maintain facilities and ensure essential services reached underserved communities.
He also urged sustained support for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, particularly in addressing their reintegration, livelihoods and the needs of vulnerable returnees.
On gender – based violence, Mr Ndebele welcomed Zimbabwe’s signing in August of the African union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, saying ratification and practical measures were needed to strengthen prevention, protection and access to justice.
He also welcomed the retention of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission as a separate constitutional institution.
The ZHRC further called for effective implementation of legislation concerning access to emergency medical treatment and the protection of pension and insurance interests.
Mr Ndebele said adequate funding and public awareness were critical to ensuring that such measures benefited the intended recipients.
“These measures matter most when the people they are intended to serve can experience their benefits in daily life,” he said.
The commission also called for investigations into the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy to inform stronger transport safety measures and help prevent similar incidents.
Mr Ndebele urged continued cooperation between the Government, national institutions, civil society and the African Commission in addressing human rights challenges.
He said recognising progress and addressing shortcomings were both necessary to ensure that constitutional and other human rights guarantees were realised in practice.
