Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE welcomes constructive partnerships that strengthen collaboration to ensure people enjoy fulfilling lives while upholding the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava has said.
He made the remarks yesterday while meeting the visiting African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights high-level delegation led by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie at Mgandane Dlodlo Building in Harare.
He said the delegation’s four-day presence was not a procedural formality, but a testament to the two parties’ shared commitment to the principles enshrined in the ACHPR.
“The journey towards the full realisation of human rights is a continuous one, for all of us, and we welcome constructive partnerships like this one as they assist us in navigating that path.
“It is, therefore, our sincere hope that this mission will strengthen the collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Commission, ensuring that our people enjoy happy, prosperous and fulfilling lives, while increasing the visibility of the African Charter within our national institutions,” Dr Shava said.
Zimbabwe has committed to ensuring that citizens enjoy their rights as envisaged in its Constitution and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and as part of measures to attain upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Dr Shava said Zimbabwe held the African Commission in high regard as the cornerstone of human rights protection in Africa, and expressed gratitude to the Commission’s adoption of Resolution 610 in 2024 regarding the impact of sanctions on the realisation of human rights.
Zimbabwe, he said, fully recognised its obligation to promote and protect the rights enshrined in Article 45(1) of the African Charter and Chapter Four of its Constitution.
“We recognise the vital mandate of the Commission in promoting and protecting human rights across our continent. We are grateful for the solidarity shown by the ACHPR in opposing these restrictive measures. This alignment supports our shared goal of ensuring that all Zimbabwean citizens enjoy their human rights free from external economic impediments.
“The severe impact of these measures is undeniable, as both direct and indirect sanctions have systematically impeded Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, weakened public institutions, and restricted access to essential services.”
Dr Shava added that the Commission’s visit demonstrates Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to the principles of the African Charter and that the expected engagements will foster mutual understanding.
Zimbabwe has received positive reviews from progressive regional and international institutions on the status of its commitment to upholding human rights.
