Upholding human rights keystone for a better Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Human Rights Day last weekend at Takashinga Cricket Club under the global theme, #Standup4HumanRights. The theme aims to raise awareness of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration is a milestone in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it has become a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.
The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It inspires us to continue working to ensure all people can gain freedom, equality and dignity.
As the UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres stated in his message marking Human Rights Day: “.. since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration in 1948, human rights have been one of the three pillars of the United Nations, along with peace and development.” Noting with concern that the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration were being tested in all regions of the world, Mr Guterres urged, “people and leaders everywhere to stand up for all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural — and for the values that underpin our hopes for a fairer, safer and better world for all.”
Human rights entail rights and obligations and span from civil and political rights to economic, social and cultural rights. The Constitution of Zimbabwe has a comprehensive Bill of Rights under Chapter 4, translating the universal declaration into its founding law.
Engagement of citizens in the political developments that took place in November was exemplary, as manifested by peaceful demonstrations and submissions of expectations and ideas from all corners of society for consideration by the Government.
It is important that such requests are considered, and that the spirit of constructive dialogue is maintained, especially as many expectations cannot be met immediately, but will have to be realised through concerted efforts by all Zimbabweans supported by its many partners.
In his message to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres welcomed the emphasis placed on national unity and serving all citizens regardless of political affiliation and to strive to fulfil the aspirations of Zimbabweans for inclusive economic development, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The UN Secretary General also expressed the continued support from the United Nations to the Government and the people of Zimbabwe to consolidate democratic institutions and advance economic and social development for all.
Zimbabwe has made progress towards its international human rights obligations, including periodically reporting of the status of its human rights implementation plans and progress under ratified treaties, and ensuring enjoyment of economic social and cultural rights, among others. We, the United Nations Development System in Zimbabwe, trust that the Government will continue the efforts in the implementation of the Universal Periodic Review action plan and the United Nations stands ready to support.
In the ambit of the right to health, Zimbabwe while being one of the countries most affected by the HIV epidemic is now providing antiretroviral treatment to over 1 million people living with HIV with a determined effort to further scale up the HIV response. This scale-up is much needed as some still face challenges in accessing the health and social services they urgently need. We all must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people being left behind and ensure we can achieve the 90-90-90 treatment targets and ending AIDS by 2030.
The United Nations has witnessed great effort in the registration of potential voters, now reaching over 3,7 million. ◆ Read full article on www.herald.
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