ZPP applauds the ZHRC, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and other independent
commissions for scaling up outreach and awareness efforts this year. These institutions play a
critical constitutional role under Chapter 12 in entrenching a culture of human rights,
accountability, and good governance. However, we urge these commissions to shorten
investigative cycles, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and issue timely recommendations,
particularly those that facilitate prosecution of perpetrators. Timely action not only ensures
justice and redress for victims but also reinforces public confidence in independent institutions
and the rule of law.
Service delivery
Across the country, citizens continue to grapple with deteriorating service delivery. Lack of
access to clean and safe potable water, persistent refuse mismanagement, failing sanitation
systems, and inadequate primary healthcare services undermine rights protected under Sections
73 (environmental rights), 76 (right to healthcare), and 77 (right to safe, clean water and
sufficient food). Despite efforts by civil society and communities to hold local authorities
accountable, service delivery remains inadequate and, in some areas, dire. This represents a
systemic failure that must be urgently rectified to uphold constitutionally guaranteed
socio-economic rights.
Violations in mining communities
ZPP is further concerned about escalating human rights violations in mining communities.
Numerous cases of displacement, arbitrary evictions, disruption of schooling, loss of farming
land, and even fatalities highlight severe breaches of the rights to property (Section 71),
education (Section 75), administrative justice (Section 68), and environmental protection
(Section 73). We call on all government agencies, including local authorities, traditional leaders,
and mining regulators, to ensure strict adherence to environmental impact assessment (EIA)
requirements, mining laws, and community consent processes. Natural resources must benefit
local communities, not impoverish or endanger them.
Equally troubling are reports of foreign investors and companies subjecting workers and
community members to physical, psychological, and economic abuse. Such conduct violates
labour rights, as well as constitutional guarantees of dignity, equality, and personal security.
These abuses must be condemned and prosecuted without hesitation. The law must apply equally
and decisively, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality or economic influence.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day, ZPP underscores that building a peaceful Zimbabwe
requires collective commitment. We call on the State to uphold its constitutional obligations
under Section 44 and to advance a governance culture anchored in transparency, fairness, and
accountability. We urge independent commissions, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary,