ZimRights lands top global human rights leadership role

This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s human rights movement and amplifies the country’s voice on the global stage. Founded in 1922, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is one of the world’s largest human rights organizations.

Headquartered in Paris, FIDH brings together 192 member organizations from 117 countries, uniting them in the mission to promote and protect human rights globally. The federation campaigns for civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, collaborating with grassroots organizations, regional and international bodies, and policymakers worldwide.

FIDH’s work includes advocacy, documentation, legal assistance, and capacity building, with programs spanning every continent. In 2024, FIDH partnered with ZimRights in producing the 2024 State of Civic Space in Zimbabwe report, documenting the experiences of 67 civil society organisations in Zimbabwe.

The election took place at FIDH’s International Congress, where delegates from around the world convened to chart the future of the global human rights movement.

The selection of ZimRights’ National Chairperson as Vice President is both a recognition of Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle for rights and freedoms and a testament to ZimRights’ growing influence internationally.

“I stand humbled in service as I take up this important role, the continuation of ZimRights’ long legacy of serving communities,” Musiiwa said from Bogota just after the election. “Thank you for entrusting me with this great responsibility.” Musiiwa said from Bogota just after the election, “I commit to working to ensure that FIDH remains responsive to the needs of its member organisations, amplifies voices of the most marginalised, and defends civic space with courage and conviction.”

The new Vice President joins a diverse leadership team entrusted with guiding FIDH’s agenda for the coming years. As Vice President, ZimRights’ Chairperson will play a vital role in setting priorities, shaping strategies, and representing the federation on international platforms.

Ahead of the election, Musiiwa outlined a vision for a global movement that stands with the most marginalized—one that is responsive to its members and courageous in resisting the shrinking civic space worldwide.

Speaking on Musiiwa’s election, ZimRights National Director Dzikamai Bere expressed gratitude for leaders like Musiiwa, who bring the influence of local movements to the global stage. “Earlier this year, ZimRights launched the Diaspora Chapter, a global initiative to defend the rights of Zimbabweans wherever they live,” Bere stated. “This new role within FIDH enables us to embody the principle of solidarity that our people abroad so desperately seek. Through FIDH, we have truly become global.”

This appointment highlights the international community’s recognition of the important work of grassroots organizations in Africa and reaffirms the critical role of Zimbabwean voices in the global human rights discourse.

Issued by ZimRights Information Department