This Report addresses measures taken to implement provisions of the African Charter from 1996 to May 2006.
from the Conclusion:
"Zimbabwe is committed to meet its obligations under the African Charter through the submission of reports to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, although consistency in doing so has been affected by financial and human resource constraints.
By enshrining the Declaration of Rights into the national Constitution, Zimbabwe has shown commitment to the protection and promotion of the human rights. Where it has been felt that the vital rights are either inadequately provided for or absent altogether, debate has ensued leading to adjustments being made, such as the inclusion of ‘sex’ as a ground of discrimination. Such dialogue on human rights issues will continue to be engaged.
Structures such as the Office of the Ombudsman have been put in place to enforce and enhance the protection and promotion of human rights. Human resource constraints have also played a negative role in the effective operation of, in particular, the Office of the Ombudsman. Measures will be put in place to ensure such constraints are overcome.
The efforts to protect and promote human rights, have however, not gone without other challenges occasioned by the imposition of sanctions by countries opposed to the Land Reform Programme. This has increased poverty levels thereby putting a strain on the Government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of its people. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has also played a negative role although the Government has sought to curtail its effects by introducing the AIDS Levy on the entire workforce.
Since she submitted her last report, Zimbabwe has put in place several measures to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights, which measures include the enactment of appropriate legislation. Policies have also been put in place and their effects can be seen from the statistical data provided in this Report.
Finally, Zimbabwe reaffirms her commitment to the human rights cause and recognises the challenges she faces in the execution of her efforts and will continue to put in place new measures to ensure that Zimbabwe meets her human rights obligations."
