Staff writer
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has applauded government’s decision to abolish death penalty as a sign of Zimbabwe’s commitment towards respecting sanctity of human life.
In a statement yesterday, ZHRC said:
“The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission welcomes and celebrates the historic signing into law of the Death Penalty Abolition Act, 2024.This landmark step is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life as enshrined in section 48 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life, alongside sections 51 and 53 which respectively guarantee the rights of dignity and freedom from tourture, cruel, human and degrading treatment.”
ZHRC said it remains committed to ensure that the rights of citizens in the country remain protected and calls upon stakeholders in the country to adhere to supporting the full implementation of the Act.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone,ZHRC reiterates its commitment to protection of human rights …..we call upon all stakeholders -government bodies,civil society and citizens to support the full implementation of this Act and to work collectively towards building a Zimbabwe where justice, equality and respect for life prevail.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill into law. The Bill was passed by the Senate on 12 December 2024, over a year after the first bill for abolition had been introduced in parliament.