Return The Country To A Full Constitutional Order: ZLHR On Human Rights Day

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Human Rights Day commemorated under the theme “#STANDUP4HUMANRIGHTS”.

Observed each year on 10 December, International Human Rights Day is set aside to reflect on the meaning, importance and need for human rights internationally.

As the global community celebrates the 70th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), ZLHR wishes to encourage all stakeholders in Zimbabwe to collectively work towards realising all the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the UDHR and other United Nations human rights instruments.

ZLHR remains saddened that 37 years after Zimbabwe attained its independence, violations of fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the UDHR as well as other United Nations human rights instruments continue unabated.

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On a progressive note, the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe enshrines some of these rights and freedoms. However, a lot of work has to be done collectively by state and non-state actors to fully realise these rights.

Further, ZLHR hereby reminds all state and non-state actors that constitutionalism is vital for the countries’ people to enjoy the fruits of the human rights provisions conceptualised 70 years ago that have evolved over the years.

As the country heads towards the 2018 harmonised general elections, ZLHR encourages responsible state actors to #STANDUP4HUMANRIGHTS by;

1. Returning the country to a full constitutional order where all provisions of the Constitution are respected, observed and fully implemented;
2. Expedite the alignment of laws to the Constitution, and ensure full implementation thereof;
3. Work towards reforming key rule of law institutions that are responsible for furthering the enjoyment of human rights enshrined in the UDHR, key human rights instruments that Zimbabwe is state party to as well as the Zimbabwe Constitution;
4. Immediately ratify and fully implement the following human rights instruments that complement the UDHR that include but not limited to;
• The African Charter on Democracy Governance and Elections;
• The United Nations Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearances 
• The United Nations Convention Against Torture, other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.