The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Anele Ndebele
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called for stronger oversight of mining activities, meaningful consultation with affected communities and fair remedies for people who have suffered harm from mining operations.
ZHRC Chairperson Anele Ndebele said communities affected by mining continued to raise concerns over labour conditions, displacement, water contamination, dust and damage to homes and livelihoods.
Speaking during the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Senegal, Ndebele said more needed to be done to address the concerns raised by communities living in mining areas.
“Progress in law and policy must be matched by progress on the ground.
“We encourage stronger oversight, meaningful consultation with affected communities, and fair remedies where harm has occurred,” said Ndebele.
Ndebele said the concerns highlighted the need for continued engagement between the Government, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that human rights commitments translated into tangible benefits for the people.
He said the ZHRC remained committed to working with the Government, communities and other stakeholders in addressing human rights issues in the country.
Ndebele also called for the Government to provide adequate resources to support the implementation of its human rights commitments and strengthen institutions responsible for promoting and protecting human rights.
He said recognising progress while addressing shortcomings was necessary to ensure that the rights guaranteed to Zimbabweans were realised in practice.
“We believe that recognising progress and addressing shortcomings are not competing purposes. Both are necessary if the rights guaranteed to the people of Zimbabwe are to be realised in practice,” he said.
Ndebele highlighted several developments in the country’s human rights sector, noting that progress in legislation and policy needed to be supported by adequate funding, effective implementation and public awareness.
He welcomed Zimbabwe’s signing, in August, of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, expressing hope that it would be followed by ratification and practical measures to strengthen prevention, protection and access to justice.
Ndebele also commended the retention of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission as a separate constitutional institution, saying the decision reflected the importance of specialised gender mechanisms.
On healthcare, he acknowledged investments in facilities, equipment and medicines but said continued attention was needed to retain health workers, maintain facilities and ensure essential services reached underserved communities.
He also noted legislative measures concerning access to emergency medical treatment and the protection of pension and insurance interests, alongside policy initiatives targeting healthcare and children’s welfare.
Ndebele said the benefits of such measures would depend on effective implementation and adequate resources.
The ZHRC Chairperson further highlighted concerns over overcrowding in places of detention and the need to protect children from labour and child marriage, issues also raised during the African Commission’s promotion mission to Zimbabwe from March 30 to April 2 this year.
He encouraged continued cooperation among relevant stakeholders to address these challenges.
On Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, Ndebele recognised Government efforts to receive returnees and coordinate assistance through public agencies and humanitarian partners.
However, he said sustained attention was needed to support their reintegration, livelihoods and the needs of vulnerable returnees as they faced longer-term challenges.
Ndebele also called for lessons to be drawn from the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy, in which people lost their lives.
He recognised the rescue and assistance provided to affected families, adding that findings from investigations should inform stronger transport-safety measures and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Ndebele said constitutional changes assigning peace and reconciliation functions to the ZHRC placed significant responsibilities on the institution.
He said the Commission would need adequate resources, capacity and practical support to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
Ndebele called on the Government to adequately resource the implementation of its human rights commitments and the institutions responsible for supporting them.
He also encouraged continued engagement with the African Commission, including consideration of outstanding human rights treaties.
“Our message is one of partnership grounded in responsibility.
“We believe that recognising progress and addressing shortcomings are not competing purposes. Both are necessary if the rights guaranteed to the people of Zimbabwe are to be realised in practice,” he added.
