Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE World Council of Churches (WCC) has pledged to continue working with Zimbabwe to strengthen justice, peacebuilding and humanitarian initiatives following high-level engagements with government officials.
The commitment was made after a WCC delegation, in Zimbabwe for the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) General Assembly, met Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi in Harare on Friday.
WCC General Secretary Professor Jerry Pillay, who led the delegation, said the discussions focused on the justice delivery system, constitutional processes, human rights and national reconciliation.
“We had a wonderful conversation with the Minister of Justice. We discussed the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and constitutional processes, including the recent constitutional amendment,” he said.
Professor Pillay said the delegation had also discussed gender-based violence, women’s rights and the use of technology to improve access to justice.
“We have been assured that there are well-established units within the judiciary for women to access support. We also received information on how technology has improved access to justice and information for the people of Zimbabwe.”
He said the delegation was impressed by the country’s justice delivery system.
“We walk away quite impressed with the judiciary system. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches has said Zimbabwe is a very peaceful country, and we can see why, because you have a judiciary system that is accessible to the people and working well,” he said.
Honourable Ziyambi said the meeting provided an opportunity to explain Zimbabwe’s legal and constitutional systems while exploring areas of cooperation with the WCC and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches.
“We discussed access to justice, the independence of the judiciary, women’s rights and other issues that Professor Pillay has articulated. We also discussed how we can collaborate with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches on peace and reconciliation.”
He said Government values the contribution of churches in promoting national unity.
“We are ready to collaborate because we believe the work of churches is to ensure there is peace and harmony in the country. They have helped us a lot in that regard. It was a cordial and fruitful engagement,” he said.
The delegation also expressed satisfaction with its meeting with President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday, describing its engagements in Zimbabwe as constructive.
