Dakar- Zimbabwe reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Representing the Government of Zimbabwe, Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Vimbai Nyemba, delivered a comprehensive statement outlining the country’s human rights record, legislative reforms, water security agenda, constitutional development and continued position on Western economic sanctions.

Zimbabwe’s participation was anchored in its long-held belief in constructive, objective and non-politicised dialogue.

The 89th Ordinary Session one of two sessions the Commission holds annually brought together government delegations, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and continental institutions to deliberate on pressing human rights matters across Africa.

Opening her statement, Nyemba said: “The Government of Zimbabwe continues to take decisive steps toward implementing progressive policies that enhance the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights. In line with our national development matrix, Vision 2030, and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), my Government is systematically reforming legal frameworks to align them with our progressive Constitution.”

Her statement covered six major thematic areas: economic, social and cultural rights; water and sanitation; humanitarian responses; skills development; constitutional developments and the impact of Western sanctions on human rights.

On economic, social and cultural rights, Nyemba acknowledged the compounding challenges posed by climate change, particularly the devastating El Nino induced droughts that have affected the sub-region.

She also highlighted the Government’s social protection response.

“Despite the compounding shocks of climate change, most notably the devastating El Nino induced droughts affecting our sub-region, the Government of Zimbabwe has successfully rolled out social protection safety nets to guarantee the right to food for vulnerable rural and urban populations,” she stated.

Addressing Zimbabwe’s humanitarian obligations, Nyemba said the Government had facilitated the voluntary return and reception of Zimbabwean nationals affected by disturbances in the SADC region.

The process was carried out in cooperation with affected host governments and regional partners; “Zimbabwe will continue to work closely with them, bilaterally and through SADC, to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return of its nationals,” she said, expressing Zimbabwe’s appreciation for the cooperation extended by the governments concerned.

She informed delegates about a constitutional amendment enacted in 2026.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe was amended in 2026. The principal amendments extend the election cycle from five to seven years and provide for the election of the President by a joint sitting of Parliament.

The amendment also reassigns delimitation functions and the roles of the Electoral Commission,” she stated. The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, was signed into law on 7 July 2026 by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Closing her address, Nyemba reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s cooperative approach to the African human rights system.

“The Republic of Zimbabwe reaffirms its pledge to cooperate with the African Commission and all relevant human rights mechanisms. We stand ready to engage constructively with all partners to consolidate our democratic achievements and elevate the dignity of our people,” she concluded.

She also committed Zimbabwe to transparency regarding implementation.

“The Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to keeping the Commission informed of these developments and to ensuring that they are implemented within the framework of the rule of law.”