Capacity building of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission

Purpose

In 2013, the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) entered into a partnership with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC). DIHRs main objective in Zimbabwe was to ensure that ZHRC became a well-functioning and operational national human rights institution (NHRI) with an improved capacity to work with core constitutional mandates and to fulfil the Paris Principles.

Since 2013 the partnership has had a particular focus on ensuring an adequate working environment for ZHRC; this includes refurbishing old office buildings, buying vehicles and securing basic office necessities (computers, internet connection, printers etc.) as well as developing and systematising ZHRC’s work within its core areas of work, such a complaints handling, prison monitoring and human rights education.

The difference we made

In 2010 ZHRC was established by law and nine Commissioners were appointed. DIHR and ZHRC entered into a partnership in April 2013 but the secretariat staff, which helps ZHRC become operational, was not hired until July 2014. Since then, ZHRC have, with major technical and financial input from DIHR and donors, accomplished significant results.

The most tangible and visible results are that ZHRC today has a secretariat consisting of approximately 50 staff, four project vehicles, one headquarter office and two regional offices and that the offices are fully functional in terms of internet, computers etc.

Further to the above, ZHRC and DIHR have worked jointly to develop a system for handling complaints; this includes a thorough manual for staffs handling complaints and a referral system for complaints and regulations. The partnership has also finalised a framework for ZHRC’s work with education, promotions and research, and a prison monitoring and inspections manual, including check-lists, learning visits and training.

Lastly, ZHRC and DIHR has raised the awareness about ZHRC and human rights in general to the public and relevant stakeholders, such as parliamentarians, ministries and civil society organisations.

Partner

• Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)