Letwin A. Mazarura
Zimbabwe came under the spotlight for human rights abuse over enactment of repressive legislation that curtains freedoms in various sectors.
This came to notice at UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review working group meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where member States recommended action against perpetrators of human rights violations.
Calls for respect of the separation of powers to ensure independence of the Judiciary and impartial decision-making were also recommended.
Zimbabwe was also accused of using the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to undermine the freedoms of its people.
Australia said Zimbabwe should ensure free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections, allow the free operation of civil society actors and repeal all discriminatory laws.
Zimbabwe will hold by-elections in March 2022 , while general elections will be held in 2023.
“Zimbabwe should ensure courts are impartial, amend the Freedom of Information Act and the peace order Act and remove undue restrictions on freedoms,” Belgium said in its recommendations.
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who represented Zimbabwe alongside permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza, defended the country’s human rights record.
Sweden recommended that Zimbabwe should take swift action to end impunity against human rights violations and enable free, fair and transparent elections, and take steps to ensure an independent Judiciary.
South Africa also weighed in calling on its neighbour to ensure alignment of the Zimbabwe Humans Rights Council Act with the Paris Principles, and the Constitution and provide funding for the protection and promotion of human rights.
According to a report on Zimbabwe by the United Nations Human Rights Council office, the UN country team noted that the process of aligning legislation with the Constitution and with international human rights obligations was slow.
“The special rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association stated that irrespective of the imposed unilateral restrictive measures, Zimbabwe had a duty to fulfil its human rights obligations,” the UN country team said.
“In addition, the special rapporteur received reports of arbitrary arrests and heard allegations of politically-motivated sexual violence.
“He recommended Zimbabwe to ensure that all allegations of excessive use of force are promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated, alleged perpetrators are prosecuted and adequate remedy is provided to the victims.”
Complaints were raised by the civic society in Zimbabwe on the shrinking space for human rights defenders and the media.
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