dyton mupawaenda
Daniel Chigunwe-Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe continues to register significant strides in its civil and political rights record, with notable progress in aligning legislation with the Constitution having been made.
This was highlighted at the ongoing 143rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, where Zimbabwe presented its progress report on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.
The committee is chaired by Mr Changrok Soh.
In an address, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Advocate Nobert Mazungunye, emphasised several key developments that Zimbabwe has made including the abolition of the death penalty.
“We are proud of the advancements we have achieved through significant legislative reforms, administrative measures and a strong commitment to democratic processes, which are fundamental pillars of our national development,” he said.
“This journey has been marked by a strong dedication to establish a more transparent, inclusive and participatory political environment.
“One of the most significant achievements in Zimbabwe’s human rights trajectory is the enactment of the Death Penalty Abolition Act on 31 December 2024. This is a historic milestone in our country’s development, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Deputy Minister Mazungunye said the right to life, articulated in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the international covenant were central to all human rights.
By abolishing the death penalty, Zimbabwe aligned its legal framework with international human rights standards. The Act represented a transformative shift in the country’s legal landscape, focusing on rehabilitation, proportionality, and justice rather than punitive measures.
In addition, Deputy Minister Mazungunye spoke on other rights-affirming legislation including the Constitution and Electoral Amendment Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Prisons and Correctional Services Act.
The reforms are seen as crucial to fostering a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory political environment.
Despite these advancements, the Deputy Minister reiterated the need for the removal of sanctions imposed by some Western countries, which he said hinder the full enjoyment of freedoms and rights in Zimbabwe.
The sanctions have severely affected the economy, limiting the Government’s ability to implement essential programmes that promote and protect civil and political rights, particularly in vital areas such as education, health, and water and sanitation.
The Government and the rest of the SADC region, continue to condemn the sanctions and call for their immediate and unconditional removal to unlock Zimbabwe’s potential in promoting democracy and human rights.
Online Reporter