The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ), the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO), and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) have pledged to work together to educate citizens on the true role of politics serving the people rather than fostering division and impeding progress.
This commitment was underscored during a courtesy visit by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) commissions CCJPZ and CPLO to the ZHRC offices in Harare on 28 March and its purpose was as outlined by ZCBC Secretary General, Fr. Tryvis Moyo, was “to forge stronger partnerships in our shared mission to promote and protect human rights in the country.”
Father. Johannes Maseko emphasized the need to develop strategies that educate Zimbabweans about their rights and responsibilities while empowering them to demand justice.
“Together, we can amplify our efforts to ensure that human rights are not mere ideals but lived realities for every individual in Zimbabwe.”
To further frame the discussion, Pope Francis’s perspective on human rights was referenced:
“Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression, or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities.”
The ZHRC Chairperson, Ms. Fungayi Jessie Majome, elaborated on the commission’s six thematic areas as articulated in the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Act, Environmental Rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Rights, Children’s Rights, Special Interest Groups’ Rights, Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, each of these areas is overseen by a dedicated commissioner within the ZHRC.
The ZCBC delegation, led by Fr. Tryvis Moyo, presented an overview of the mandate, values, mission, and work of both CCJPZ and CPLO.
“The CCJPZ has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the marginalized and voiceless in our communities. Their tireless efforts in documenting human rights violations, promoting peacebuilding initiatives, and empowering individuals through education and advocacy are commendable.”
He also highlighted CPLO’s crucial role in engaging lawmakers to ensure that national policies reflect principles of justice and equity.
Following his remarks, Fr. Maseko outlined possible areas of collaboration with ZHRC, stressing that human dignity must be at the core of governance.
“We recognize the vital intersection between our work and the promotion of human rights, and we believe that effective governance is rooted in respect for human dignity which is why our engagement with policy makers is centered on advocating for laws that promote rights of all citizens, with a special bias towards the vulnerable, the weak and those who may be deemed voiceless,” Fr. Maseko stated.
Source: Catholic Church News article by Father Johnston Mlambo.
