The EU Delegation welcomes the entering into force of the Human Rights Commission Act allowing this important Commission, appointed in March 2010, to become fully operational. This is an encouraging step by the Government to improve the respect for Human Rights in Zimbabwe.
The establishment of an effective Human Rights Commission is also an important step in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and of the agreed roadmap for peaceful and credible elections. It should play a significant role in monitoring the situation during the elections period, as mandated in the recently gazetted Amendment to the Electoral Act.
The EU looks forward to the Commission beginning to deal independently and transparently with the pressing human rights issues facing the country. Guided by international standards, the Commission is expected to investigate human rights complaints, to advice on human-rights-friendly legislation, and to promote and protect human rights in general.
The EU expresses its readiness to cooperate with the Human Rights Commission, with the firm belief that the promotion and protection of human rights is critical for a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The Embassies of Norway and Australia associate themselves with this statement.
Post published in: News