Rights Bill to be aligned to Constitution 

Source: Rights Bill to be aligned to Constitution –Newsday Zimbabwe

Sekai Nzenza

GOVERNMENT says the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill will be aligned to the Constitution to ensure compliance with international best practices.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Industry and Commerce minister Sekai Nzenza — representing Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa  said: “The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill will be amended for alignment with the 2013 Constitution, and for compliance with international best practice as provided for by the Paris Principles Governing National Human Rights Institutions.”

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) Act is not aligned to the Paris Principles on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and the Constitution.

The Paris Principles set out the minimum standards that NHRIs must meet in order to be considered credible and to operate effectively.

The key pillars of the Paris Principles are pluralism, independence and effectiveness.

“The Bill will also provide for the framework for co-operation with other constitutional commissions, and for gender equality in the chairpersons of the commissions. The Bill places an obligation on the commission for refusal to investigate frivolous complaints brought to its attention,” Nzenza added.

The ZHRC is mandated to promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights and freedoms at all levels of society.

Cabinet also noted the onset of an early rainy season, and revealed that over four million plots have been prepared under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to boost crop production and food security

 “The objective of the 2022/23 summer production season is to achieve food, stockfeed and oilseed self-sufficiency from a total of 3 950 283 hectares, which are expected to yield a total of 4 928 260 tonnes,” Nzenza said.

“A total of 4 610 636 plots have been prepared under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme. This is a significant increase from last season’s 2 304 417 plots. 2 207 064 farmers have been trained, compared to 2 071 637 during the previous season.”

Nzenza also revealed that the renovation of the Binga Training Centre in Matabeleland North had been completed.

“The renovation of the Binga Training Centre in Matabeleland North province was completed and 60 students have been recruited. The development of the new Binga Industrial Training College has commenced,” she said.