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 (UN), 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 yesterday. 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 . . . To date, the country is home to over 12 000 refugees and asylum seekers from different parts of Africa and beyond . . .
“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.”
On Friday, Trinidad and Tobago Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Neil Parsan, who is part of the eight-member delegation currently in Zimbabwe, told reporters after a closed-door meeting with President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Friday that the UNSC is the largest most important global Security Council on the planet.
The visit by the UN delegation comes as Harare intensifies its campaign for its UNSC seat bid for the 2027-2028 term, with elections slated for June.
The UN delegation includes Mr Lewis Brown II, UN Permanent Representative from Liberia; Ambassador Odo Tevi from Vanuatu; Ambassador Neil Parsan from Trinidad and Tobago; Mr Stefan Pretterhofer from Austria; Mr Jorge Eduardo from Portugal; Mr Mohamed Rabi Yusuf from Somalia; Mr Taniela Kepa Siose from Tuvalu; Ms Corina Moroi from Moldova; Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to New York, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu; and Minister Counsellor of Zimbabwe to New York Ms Batanai Mhango.
