Story by Nyasha Makota
THE African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has commended the Zimbabwean Government for its commitment to engaging continental human rights mechanisms and its openness to dialogue, following a four-day promotional visit to the country.
The delegation, led by Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie, held high-level engagements with Emmerson Mnangagwa, government ministries, independent commissions and civil society organisations as part of a routine African Union assessment of human rights progress across member states.
Speaking after the visit, Commissioner Njie described the mission as successful, highlighting Zimbabwe’s willingness to accommodate the delegation at the highest level.
“We met with government agencies, the executive, and non-governmental organisations just to find out how far we have gone in terms of issues of human rights. Over and above, the visit was a success. We are grateful to His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, for receiving us. In most states, our request to visit is often declined, but in the case of Zimbabwe, we met the President himself,” she said.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, said the visit was fruitful and noted that the delegation was impressed by Zimbabwe’s Open Prison System in Marondera.
“By and large, it was a very good visit. We will consider some of the recommendations given to us. They will send us their report, and we will see on which areas we need to improve,” he said.
The ACHPR expressed optimism regarding Zimbabwe’s compliance with continental human rights obligations, adding that findings from the visit will contribute to a broader African Union report.
