“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”.
Harare–The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the global community today in commemorating Human Rights Day 2024, under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” This day is a reminder that human rights are not just ideals or aspirations, but essential elements that must be safeguarded and promoted today to ensure a better tomorrow for all. Human rights are the foundation for a just, inclusive, and sustainable society and are vital in securing the future of all citizens.
In Zimbabwe, the protection and promotion of human rights continue to face significant challenges. According to the CIVICUS Monitor, the country’s civic space remains “repressed,” with restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) continue to face legal and extrajudicial harassment, and journalists, human rights defenders, and activists are often targeted for their work advocating for the rights of citizens. These systemic constraints limit the participation of citizens in decision-making processes, which undermines the democratic process and denies individuals their basic rights.
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association are cornerstones of a vibrant civil society. These rights empower citizens to speak out against injustices, organize collectively to demand accountability and advocate for policies that reflect the needs of their communities. For civil society in Zimbabwe, these freedoms are essential for fostering dialogue, conducting advocacy, and holding the government accountable for its human rights obligations.
Freedom of expression enables individuals and organisations to voice concerns, share information, and raise awareness about societal issues without fear of censorship or reprisal. It ensures that diverse perspectives are heard, contributing to inclusive decision-making processes. Similarly, the right to peaceful assembly allows citizens and CSOs to self-organize and discuss matters of social justice and human rights. Freedom of association is critical for CSOs to form coalitions, mobilize resources, and collaborate effectively to address complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.
However, these fundamental rights are increasingly under threat in Zimbabwe. Civil society continues to face restrictions that undermine its ability to operate effectively. The Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Amendment Bill, 2024 imposes stringent regulations on the civil society sector, severely limiting their ability to function independently and autonomously. Provisions in the bill grant the government broad discretionary powers to interfere in the governance, operations, and funding of CSOs.
Human Rights in Zimbabwe: The Path Forward
To safeguard the role of civil society and ensure the realization of the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” NANGO urges the government to promulgate laws and instruments that align with constitutional and international human rights standards. Civil Society should not be seen as an adversary but as a critical partner in advancing development, good governance, democracy, and human rights.
NANGO emphasizes that freedom of expression, assembly, and association are not privileges but rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. These rights are integral to the ability of civil society to serve communities, advocate for justice, and promote good governance. Restricting these freedoms not only weakens civil society but also undermines the broader socio-economic and political stability of the nation.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, we urge all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and promoting these fundamental rights. The government, civil society, development partners, and citizens must work collectively to create an environment where freedoms are respected, and civil society can thrive. Only then can we truly realize the vision of a just and equitable future where “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” is more than a theme but a reality for all Zimbabweans.
Recommendations for Human Rights Progress:
In line with the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” NANGO offers the following recommendations to the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society, development partners, and citizens to ensure that human rights are prioritized and protected:
To the Government of Zimbabwe:
- Strengthening the judicial system to guarantee access to justice for all, particularly marginalized groups, is crucial. The government must guarantee that human rights defenders, journalists, and activists are not persecuted for exercising their right to free expression.
- Zimbabwe must demonstrate its commitment to implementing the recommendations and reporting on human rights commitments under international frameworks, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
- Reducing gender-based violence and discrimination and enhancing the legal and policy frameworks that promote gender equality and women’s rights, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Foster open and consistent dialogue with non-state actors to build trust and create an enabling environment for collaboration on national development priorities and human rights.
To CSOs:
- Amplify efforts to advocate for reforms of repressive laws and policies that restrict civic space, ensuring that all advocacy aligns with international human rights standards.
- Forge stronger alliances among CSOs, locally and internationally, to create a unified voice in the fight for human rights and greater civic space.
- Collaboration between civil society, the private sector, and international bodies is key to amplifying the voices of human rights defenders, promoting social justice, and building momentum for broader human rights reform.
- Actively document and report human rights violations to national, regional, and international human rights bodies, ensuring accountability and amplifying issues affecting Zimbabweans.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, NANGO urges all Zimbabweans to reflect on the importance of upholding human rights in every aspect of life. The theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” underscores the urgency of addressing human rights challenges and promoting the well-being of every citizen today, so that a better tomorrow can be realized. The government, civil society, development partners, and citizens must work together to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced for all people in Zimbabwe.
We Are NANGO
NANGO is a voluntary coordinating body of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe, dedicated to creating a conducive environment for NGOs to operate effectively and contribute to national development. NANGO provides a platform for collective action and advocacy, amplifying the voices of its members and promoting sustainable development. Through its efforts, NANGO aims to empower civil society and foster resilient communities that thrive in a democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe.
Contact Us
For media enquiries, please contact NANGO Communications via email at info@nangozim.org. Feel free to visit our website and read more about our work at www.nangozim.org.
