MidWeek Reporter
HARARE: The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has described the abolition of the death penalty as a positive step that is in sync with modern human rights standards.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed the Death Penalty Abolition bill into law, heralding an end to capital punishment in the country.
In a statement on Monday, ZHRC welcomed the development, saying it is a milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life.
“The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) welcomes and celebrates the historic signing into law of the Death Penalty Abolition Act, 2024.
“This landmark step is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life, as enshrined in Section 48 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life, alongside section 51 and 53 which respectively guarantee the rights to dignity, and freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,” reads part of ZHRC statement.
ZHRC also commended the collaborative work by political parties that resulted in successful signing into law of the Death Penalty Abolition Act.
“The ZHRC highly commends the unity of purpose demonstrated by the political leadership across the political divide, notably, Honourable Edwin Mushoriwa who introduced the Private Member’s Bill in November 2023, Honourable Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi who facilitated the passage, members of Parliament as a whole, and His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa who signed the Bill into law,” ZHRC said.
The Commission called for such unity to continue for the sake of promoting human rights in Zimabwe.
It implored the Gvernment to ratify outstanding treaties such as the United Nations (UN) Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED).
The abolition of death penalty in Zimbabwe resonates with the fundamental principles of equality, justice and mercy, which are cornerstones of a democratic society.
