Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has shed light its constitutional reform agenda and human rights record before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Harare has said ongoing legislative changes were aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and advancing national development goals.
Speaking at the 55th Session of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in The Gambia, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Vimbai Nyemba said Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill was part of Zimbabwe’s broader constitutional refinement process.
The remarks came in response to concerns raised by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights on the human rights situation in the country.
Mrs Nyemba said the proposed constitutional amendments were intended to streamline governance structures and enhance institutional efficiency.
“The proposed amendments, including the rationalisation of certain commissions and the review of electoral administration functions, are intended to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and strengthen service delivery,” she said.
“These are matters within the sovereign legislative competence of Parliament, as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.”
Mrs Nyemba said the Bill was informed by judicial precedents, societal aspirations and comparative experiences across Africa and the reforms sought to address long-standing governance challenges.
“At its core the Bill transcends the narrow confines of partisan agendas, embodying instead a collection of institutional reforms that are unchangeably robust, historically transformative, and purposefully oriented towards future generations,” she said.
Mrs Nyemba said Government has followed constitutional procedures, including public consultations conducted nationwide.
“Public hearings were conducted across the country, and millions of Zimbabweans participated and expressed their views,” she said.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that any amendments uphold constitutionalism, public participation, and the rule of law.”
Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees freedoms of assembly, association and expression and such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law.
“The Government does not condone unlawful actions by any group, and where allegations of such conduct arise, they are investigated and prosecuted by competent authorities,” she said.
Mrs Nyemba also addressed concerns surrounding the reassignment of the former chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, describing it as an administrative matter undertaken in line with constitutional provisions.
She said the matter was currently before the courts.
On allegations of torture and ill-treatment, Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe maintained a zero-tolerance approach.
“All allegations are taken seriously and are subject to investigation and prosecution by the relevant authorities,” she said.
Regarding cases involving detained citizens, including Mr Godfrey Karembera, Mrs Nyemba said the matters were sub judice and should be left to the courts.
“The Judiciary in Zimbabwe is independent, and all accused persons are entitled to due process and fair trial as enshrined in the Constitution,” she said.
Mrs Nyemba said Government continued engaging public sector workers, including teachers and nurses, through dialogue platforms aimed at addressing remuneration and welfare concerns while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
On mining and environmental management, she said Government was implementing legislative and policy reforms to balance investment promotion with environmental protection and community rights as part of efforts to attain Vision 2030.
“These include the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Act as well as the Environmental Management Act to modernise the regulatory framework, improve environmental compliance, community participation and value addition and beneficiation,” she said.
Mrs Nyemba reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to human rights protection, the rule of law and constructive engagement with regional and international bodies.
