Source: Legislative progress recorded in advancing human rights – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Zimpapers Correspondent
Zimbabwe recorded remarkable legislative and institutional progress in advancing human rights during 2025, highlighted by the abolition of the death penalty and strengthened compliance with international and regional standards, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has said.
In its 2025 Human Rights Situation Report, the commission described the year as an important milestone in the country’s trajectory, reflecting renewed commitment to constitutionalism, reform, and international engagement.
“The year 2025 presented a complex and multifaceted human rights landscape for Zimbabwe, characterised by significant legislative and institutional progress,” ZHRC noted.
Chief among the reforms was the coming into force of the Death Penalty Abolition Act [Chapter 9:26], which ended capital punishment for all crimes.
The law, signed at the end of 2024, became operational in 2025, placing Zimbabwe among a growing number of nations that have abolished the death penalty.
The commission also highlighted advances in Zimbabwe’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms, stating that the Government became fully compliant with its treaty reporting obligations for the first time.
“The Government of Zimbabwe made significant efforts to uphold its international and regional human rights obligations,” the report said, adding that the submission of overdue state party reports demonstrated political will in promoting rights and administrative justice.
Zimbabwe is now up to date with reporting under key treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In March 2025, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families came into force for Zimbabwe, a development the commission described as positive given the importance of migration to the country’s social and economic landscape.
The commission also welcomed judicial and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening protections, including court decisions that reinforced constitutional freedoms and ongoing processes to develop a national action plan on business and human rights.
ZHRC said these developments signalled progress in aligning national laws with the Constitution and international standards, while enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing in regional and global forums.
The commission emphasised that continued implementation of reforms will be critical in consolidating gains and ensuring sustained progress in the protection and promotion of human rights.
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