10 STEPS BACKWARDS
The Zimbabwe Peace Project has noted with serious concern the proposed 2026 Constitutional Amendment Bill in
Zimbabwe, a legislation that could significantly reshape constitutionalism, democratic participation, and human rights
protections regressively.
At the centre of concern is the proposal to replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary selection
process, potentially weakening citizens’ direct political voice. The extension of presidential and parliamentary terms
from five to seven years may also reduce opportunities for citizens to hold leaders accountable, particularly in a
context where oversight systems can be vulnerable to political misuse.
The Bill further proposes restructuring or repealing key constitutional commissions, including the Zimbabwe Gender
Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These institutions play critical roles in protecting
vulnerable groups, promoting equality, and advancing national healing. Weakening them risks eroding specialised
human rights protections and undermining reconciliation efforts essential for long-term peace.
Concerns also arise from proposals to shift voter registration functions away from the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission, potentially affecting institutional independence and public trust in elections, a cornerstone of
democratic governance.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project calls for inclusive widespread national consultations, protection of independent
commissions, and mandatory human rights impact assessments before constitutional changes are adopted. Ultimately,
constitutional reform must strengthen, not weaken, popular sovereignty, accountability, and the protection of
fundamental rights for all citizens.
Emerging Human Rights Risks in Zimbabwe’s Mining Communities
Serious human rights concerns are increasingly evident in Zimbabwe’s mining communities, as weak regulatory
enforcement, opaque concession processes, and minimal community consultation leave residents vulnerable to
environmental hazards, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
Recent monitoring and media reports show rising tensions around foreign-owned mining operations, particularly
Chinese firms, with repeated incidents of pollution, unsafe waste management, and clashes with local communities. In
areas such as Redcliff and Bikita, mining activities have reportedly threatened water sources and agricultural
livelihoods, raising alarms about long-term health risks and food insecurity.
Locally reported incidents underscore these risks. In Redcliff, communities fear cyanide contamination from gold
processing, while in Gwanda, the January 2026 takeover of Vuchabikwe Mine by party-affiliated actors highlights
governance gaps in resource control and community protection. These events reflect broader structural weaknesses in
enforcing human rights and rule of law in mining regions.
Experts and monitoring networks stress the urgent need for policies that embed enforceable human rights safeguards,
including strict environmental standards, mandatory community consent, and accessible grievance mechanisms.
Without such protections, mining expansion risks deepening inequality, environmental injustice, and social instability.
Sustainable mining must prioritize the rights to life, health, water, and livelihoods, ensuring economic development
does not come at the expense of community survival and dignity.
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