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The Centre for Human Rights (Centre) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) under the aegis of the Rule of Law Program for Sub Saharan Africa developed simple-easy-reference booklets (for non-lawyers) that summarise the Bill of Rights as espoused in the constitutions of selected “Anglophone African” countries including Zimbabwe. The broad aim is to promote human rights and Constitutional literacy in Africa. 

The Centre for Human Rights and Konrad Adenauer Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and The University of Zimbabwe cordially invite you to the launch of the Zimbabwean Constitutional Literacy Booklet.

Event Details:

Date: 16 November 2022,
Time: 10:00 -12:00 (SAST)
Venue: Monomotapa Hotel, Harare

Register here

Download Invitation 

Backround

Section 2 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the principle of Constitutional Supremacy, placing the Constitution as the supreme law of the land which means that any law, conduct or practice that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid to the extent that it is inconsistent. Constitutional Supremacy also creates binding obligations on every person in the state, including state organs and government agencies. The 2013 Constitution is heralded as a ‘Constitution of the people as a result of the consultative processes during the Constitution making process, increased knowledge of what this Constitution means and can do for the people is thus central to this Constitution truly being one of the people and one for the people.

The Declaration of Rights provides for various rights including civil and political rights, socio-economic, environmental and cultural rights as well as protections for specific categories of people including women, children, persons with disabilities and veterans of the liberation struggle. An understanding of the Declaration of Rights as provided for in the Zimbabwean Constitution equips citizens with tools for meaningful engagement and participation in governance and human rights related issues in the country. Constitutional literacy empowers citizens with the awareness of the rights and responsibilities they are afforded in the Constitution, and what sort of redress to seek in cases where these rights are infringed. Constitutional literacy also informs citizens of the obligations upon themselves and the state in their interaction with each other. In this way, Constitutional Literacy is an important aspect of civic engagement which allows citizens to be aware and knowledgeable about the legal framework that governs the state and various processes that affect them.

Programme 

10.00-10.45

Welcome Remarks:
Mr Lloyd Kuveya: Assistant Director, Centre for Human Rights
Dr. Innocent Maja: Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Zimbabwe

10:45-11-00

Introduction to the project from the perspective of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Rule of Law Program for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa- Mr Peter Wendoh, Programme Advisor: Rule of Law Program for Sub Saharan Africa, KAS

11.00-11.15

Reflections on the promotion of human rights in Zimbabwe-  Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission

11.15-11.30

Reflections on the importance of the courts in the protection and promotion of human rights through interpretation of the Bill of Rights-  Mr. Blessing Nyamaropa, Deputy Director,  Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

11.30- 12.00

Screen KAS Documentary ‘Journey to Justice’

12.00-12.15

Reflections on the importance of accessibility of the law to citizens in protecting human rights in Zimbabwe - Ms. Namatai Kwekwezi: Executive Director, WELEAD Trust

12.15-12.45

Keynote Address- Dr Musa Kika: Executive Director, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

12.45-13.00

Concluding Remarks- Ms. Bonolo Makgale, Programme Manager, Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit, Centre for Human Rights

~End of Programme and Refreshments~


For more information, please contact:

Ms Bonolo Makgale
Programme Manager: Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit

  +27 (0) 12 420 4199
 bonolo.makgale@up.ac.za

 

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