Francis Machimbidzofa from Harare accused state institutions of corruption and nepotism. “In our country, human rights exist only on paper,” he said. “Government institutions, especially the police and the judiciary, are the chief culprits in violating our rights.”
He accused the state of promoting human rights through signing and ratifying international and regional instruments on human rights and freedoms on paper but doing nothing to implement these laws.
“Politicians are the first to sign – and they are also the first to violate the same rules and regulations,” he said. “My political rights are compromised because I am not free to choose a political leader of my choice. They keep stealing my vote.”
Zimbabwe’s constitution guarantees the application and obligation to respect the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all citizens. Chapter 2 (11) reads: “The State must take all practical measures to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in chapter 4 and to promote their full realisation and fulfilment.”
Post published in: News