Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) DR Elasto Hilarious Mugwadi has said that everyone has a duty to ensure that equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of everything to protect, promote, enforce, and fulfill human rights, particularly of the most vulnerable in communities. The chairperson said this during the commemorations of Human Rights Day in Mutare.
This year’s theme of the Human Rights Day commemorated internationally on 10 December is Equality – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.
“Whilst the ZHRC is constitutionally mandated to protect and promote human rights as set out is Section 243 of the Constitution, this year’s commemorations serve as a reminder that the State as principal duty bearer and everyone else adhere to ensuring equal treatment for all, equality before the law, gender equality and the imperative to protect and uphold the rights of the most vulnerable,” Mugwadi said.
“The Commission is cognisant of the devastating impact of COVID -19 particularly on economic, social, and cultural rights.”
The ZHRC chairperson went on to also say that equality in practice, inclusion and non-discrimination, and human rights-based approaches to development endeavors are the best modalities for reducing inequalities and adopting new pathways towards the realization of Agenda 2030.
“This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that has affected the most vulnerable people in societies,” he said.
“The Commission acknowledges the efforts being made by the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure equality for all through alignment of its National Development Strategy (NDS 1) with the goals and aspirations of Vision 2030 and with provisions of regional and international treaties which Zimbabwe is party to.”
“This will go a long way in promoting the advancement of equality and non-discrimination in all spheres of society as envisioned by Section 56 of the Constitution,” went on Mugwadi.
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), commemorating Human Rights Day raised the issue of human rights violations in mining areas.
“ZELA is saddened by the prevalent violations of fundamental rights within the mining sector. This includes development induced displacements without the free, prior and informed consent of traditional communities,” the association says in a statement.
“Article 10 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People adopted in 2007, provides that companies should not forcibly remove indigenous people from their land or territories. This means that no relocation ought to take place without free and informed consent of the indigenous people concerned.”
“Relocation plans should be carefully made, with full consent of the concerned people so that no affected person, group, or community has their standard of living, culture and social cohesion diminished as a result. Therefore, communities must be afforded an opportunity to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights,” the statement reads.
Zimbabwe commemorates Human Rights Day after witnessing clashes between locals and invaders over resources in rural areas with questions rising over human rights, this year.
Thousands of villagers survived eviction from their communal land in Chilonga, Chiredzi with land being set aside for lucerne grass production – farming grass for stockfeed.
The government suspended operations of a Chinese mining company that wanted to evict Uzumba residents from their communal land for black granite in the area
Twenty-eight Chiadzwa residents were arrested for protesting against the Chinese mining company on allegations of irresponsible investment conduct.
