Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE will use its 2027-2028 tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to champion stronger protection for humanitarian workers and vulnerable communities caught in conflict and disaster situations, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
The commitment comes as the country seeks to elevate humanitarian issues on the global stage following its election to the Security Council with the backing of 182 member states.
Speaking in Harare earlier this morning during a courtesy call by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Secretary General Mr Jagan Chapagain ahead of his meeting with President Mnangagwa, Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe would advocate practical measures to safeguard those delivering life-saving assistance.
He said humanitarian workers continued to play a critical role in responding to conflicts, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, often at great personal risk.
“I want to assure you that during our tenure, among other priorities, we will advocate for stronger protection of those at risk and those who risk their lives to save others,” said Prof Murwira.
“We will use our voice in the Security Council to call on all member states and all parties in conflict to take immediate and concrete measures to ensure the safety of all our people across the world.”
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe valued its longstanding partnership with the IFRC, which dates back to 1981, describing the organisation as a key partner in advancing disaster preparedness, community health and humanitarian resilience.
He said Government remained grateful for the federation’s support during major emergencies, including Cyclone Idai in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing climate adaptation and public health programmes.
With climate change increasing the frequency of droughts and other weather-related disasters in Southern Africa, Prof Murwira said strengthening resilience and food security remained a national priority.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to implementing social protection and humanitarian programmes that support national development objectives.
Mr Chapagain congratulated Zimbabwe on its overwhelming election to the UN Security Council, saying the country’s broad international support reflected confidence in its ability to promote dialogue and consensus during a period of growing global divisions.
“I think that is an amazing feat.
“We are really hoping Zimbabwe will bring that voice of unity because there can always be differences, but those differences must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation,” he said.
Mr Chapagain said the humanitarian community was increasingly burdened by the consequences of unresolved political conflicts around the world.
He said humanitarian organisations could provide emergency assistance but lasting solutions required political engagement.
“Until there is a political solution, humanitarian activities have to continue for too long,” he said.
Mr Chapagain said the IFRC stood ready to support Zimbabwe during its Security Council tenure by providing research, technical expertise and humanitarian policy advice through its offices, including its mission in New York.
He also urged Zimbabwe to champion reforms that simplify international humanitarian financing by reducing multiple layers of funding intermediaries, saying more resources should flow directly to organisations delivering assistance on the ground.
Mr Chapagain is in Zimbabwe for high-level engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Government, the IFRC and the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society on disaster preparedness, community resilience and humanitarian action.
