Towards sustainable peace in Zimbabwe
….as Zim abolishes the death penalty
Zimbabwe's abolition of the death penalty marks a
significant milestone in the country's journey towards
upholding human rights and respecting the sanctity of
life.
This
progressive
move
demonstrates
a
commitment to aligning Zimbabwe’s municipal laws
with international human rights standards and values.
By
eliminating
capital
punishment,
Zimbabwe
promotes a culture of rehabilitation, restorative
justice, and human dignity, ultimately contributing to
a more just and humane society. President Emmerson
Mnangagwa's signing of the Death Penalty Abolition
Bill into law on December 31, 2024, marked a
significant milestone, making Zimbabwe the 127th country to abolish the death penalty. This move is particularly
notable given that Zimbabwe hadn't executed any death row prisoners since 2005. The Death Penalty Abolition
Act prohibits courts from imposing the death penalty, substitutes death sentences with alternative penalties, and
ensures the re-sentencing of current death row prisoners, taking into account individual circumstances like time
served and health conditions. The Zimbabwe Peace Project commends President Mnangagwa, Parliament, and
human rights defenders for this milestone, demonstrating remarkable commitment to promoting human rights
accountability and inspiring positive change.
...10 Steps backwards
The donation of four metric tonnes of rice by President Mnangagwa to
vulnerable citizens is commendable. However, the approach, where this food aid
is being distributed to citizens by MPs and Senators, raises concerns about the
politicization of food aid and its potential to cripple beneficiaries. By distributing
aid through political channels rather than the social welfare system, the
government may inadvertently create dependencies on political patronage
rather than addressing the root causes of poverty. This can lead to a culture of
dependency and undermine the dignity of recipients. Furthermore, the
politicization of food aid can also perpetuate inequality, as those with political
connections may receive preferential treatment. A more effective and
sustainable approach would be to strengthen the social welfare system, ensuring
that aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of their political affiliations.
Report
Human Rights Violations
0774883417 0774883406
5