United Nations in Zimbabwe

The 2016 – 2021 Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF), co-chaired by Government and the United Nations, is the strategic document via which UN Entities channel their support to the achievement of the SDGs in Zimbabwe. The ZUNDAF, which comprises six result areas and fifteen outcomes is fully aligned to the SDGs. The six result areas are: Social Services and Protection; Poverty Reduction and Value Addition; Food and Nutrition; Gender Equality; HIV and AIDS; and Public Administration and Governance. The United Nations in Zimbabwe also supports Government to conduct regular monitoring and reporting on progress towards the SDGs at national and sub-national levels. In addition, the United Nations regularly facilitates national and local consultations and advocacy campaigns in partnership with the Office of the President and Cabinet, Government Ministries, Parliament, Development Partners, Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, Youth Group, Media, and the Public on mainstreaming and implementation of the SDGs.

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15 September 2021

Youth participation, engagement in building democratic resilience

*By Åsa Pehrson and Maria Ribeiro Six years ago, 193 UN Member States rolled up their sleeves to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, inequality and to tackle climate change, while ensuring no one is left behind. Although 2030 seems distant, it is less than a decade or only two electoral cycles away in many countries. On the occasion of this year’s International Day of Democracy in Zimbabwe, the United Nations and the Embassy of Sweden have elected to commemorate Youth for Democratic Resilience. On this occasion, we call on national and local leaders to create opportunities for the youth to meaningfully participate in decision making and ensure their ownership of the SDGs, and to be part of shaping their future in Zimbabwe. With its largely youthful population, Zimbabwe could benefit from a demographic dividend though a combination of strategic investments and the adoption of supportive policy environment. Closing the gap between youth and their leaders is critical to strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions. Achieving a robust Human Development trajectory requires an equitable and democratic development agenda that guarantees higher standards of education, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health services, health for all and a green growth strategy that balances the management of natural resources with demands of development imperatives. Therefore, if development entails the improvement in people’s standard of living – their incomes, health outcomes, education levels, and general wellbeing – and if it also encompasses their self-esteem, respect, dignity, and freedom to choose, then the country must concentrate on addressing the underlying social, economic, and political conditions related to improving the participation of youth in democratic resilience. Some strategies have shown to be essential in this context: First, children and the youth participation in political discourse and democratic processes, including in multilateral fora. Many of youth in Zimbabwe have already been engaging with the United Nations and bilateral donors, including Sweden at youth-focused events, through model UN, climate action conferences, democracy talks, SDGs advocacy and other topical issues. This participation is essential to having young people’s positions and views reflected in the national development priorities. Second, it is important to ensure the right of girls and young women to education. While education is a human right, it is also an indispensable means by which girls and young women can realise all the other rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and indeed in the Zimbabwean Constitution. Levels of poverty remains stubbornly high throughout the country and have resulted in a decrease in school attendance. Young girls are especially at risk of losing their access to education as parents are more likely to send young boys to school if a choice must be made, while young girls are married of early for wealth creation. Out-of-school girls are more vulnerable to early sexual debut, teenage pregnancies, and childbearing. This in turn may result is sexual exploitation, an increased risk of HIV infection and other undesirable outcomes of sexual encounters. Denial of the right to education leads to exclusion from the labour market and marginalization into the informal sector, unpaid work, or early marriages. This perpetuates and increases women’s poverty and contributes to poor literary. According to the institute for Women’s Policy Research, graduating from high school alone increases working mothers’ earnings by over $1.60 per hour (over $3,300 per year). In contrast, each year of work experience is worth only 10 cents per hour. Third, sexual and reproductive health rights save lives and has long been considered a key component of socioeconomic development. In 2019, 7.1% of youth between the ages of 15 and 24 were married before the age of 15. Most women who get married at a younger age are often in intergenerational marriages, thus increasing their vulnerability to poor health outcomes due to early childbearing and abuse owing to unequal power dynamics. Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate remains worryingly high. When women and couples are provided with adequate sexual and reproductive health information and services, including family planning, we can ensure that every child is wanted, and every birth is safe. And we can enhance youth participation, particularly that of young women and girls in the fight inequality and to end poverty. Fourth, improved coverage and quality of health, water, and sanitation services for those who lack them would do much to reduce the burden of water-related diseases and to improve quality of life. Studies have consistently shown that improvements in water and sanitation coverage – including the implementation of low-cost, simple technology systems – can reduce the incidence of diarrhea, cholera, and other water-related diseases. Furthermore, providing water and sanitation confers multiple benefits beyond reducing water-related diseases, including alleviating the time and economic burden of having to collect water thereby also ensuring that women and girls who often bear the burden of walking long distances to fetch water are not exposed to personal security risks. Fifth, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep and disproportionate impact on youth and youth entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. Although the youth have in many cases risen to the challenge by showcasing innovative responses to the pandemic from a wide range of young social entrepreneurs, additional support is needed to survive the crisis, to multiply their impact, and to lead the way in forging an inclusive and sustainable recovery. Finally, the more sustainable use of a country’s natural endowments-of land, energy and water is an essential part of the equation. Moving towards a more sustainable growth path, that is low carbon and climate resilient, will enable Zimbabwe to harness its vibrant and resourceful youth through engaging them in innovation and ICT to conserving its natural resource base while meeting the demands of people, so it remains a rich heritage for future generations. Let us close on noting the aspirations of young people in Zimbabwe – today, with over 60% of the population of the country under the age of 35, investing in young people and empowering them to realize their potential, is what will drive durable peace, co-existence, inclusive society, resilient democracy, and long-term wealth creation in the country. When young people enjoy good health, including sexual and reproductive health rights, higher quality education, decent working conditions, and are allowed to express their opinions and views freely they are a powerful force for democratic, economic, and social development. Investing in young people is one of the smartest investments that any country can make. A central premise of the work of the United Nations and Sweden’s history of supporting human rights and democracy before and since Zimbabwe’s independence are citizens’ right to participation, particularly that of young people have a critical impact on its development prospects and on the living standards of the poor. Investing in young people -- and providing both boys and girls with equal opportunities and the means to determine the number, timing and spacing of their children -- create the conditions to break out of the poverty trap and increase levels of human development. In a nutshell, a panacea for an egalitarian and resilient democratic society. As we mark the International Day of Democracy, each one of us is an equal part of the efforts to advance freedom from want and freedom from fear. Our small individual actions, joined together, can lead to a positive change for everyone and every community. Zimbabwe’s aspiration to becoming an equitable prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030 is dependent on the decisions that the country now makes with its youth demographic dividend. * Åsa Pehrson is the Ambassador of Sweden and Maria Ribeiro is UN Resident Coordinator, in Zimbabwe

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24 June 2020

COVID-19 pandemic reveals investment in development reaps rewards during crisis

Cricensia Tshu, one of the nurses at Sipepa Rural Hospital, takes out the insulated case of vaccines from the refrigerator to prepare for the day. As with other days, Cricensia prepares to receive mothers as they bring their infants for their vaccination shots. Two years ago, this routine activity would not have been guaranteed. Unreliable power supply, which has affected Zimbabwe and most Southern African countries, created inconsistencies in the availability of vaccines which need to maintain a cold chain from the central pharmacies in Harare to Sipepa, over 550 km away. UNDP with support from the Global Fund and in partnership with Ministry of Health and Child Care, and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, equipped 405 health facilities across the country with solar systems of varying capacity. These systems provide primary power for critical operations including in maternal theatres and wards; pharmacies for medicines and vaccine refrigeration; information systems; and night lighting in the facilities. “The experience from our partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and Global Fund provides a platform to continuously invest in a robust health system that can adequately absorb the demand on health facilities” said UNDP Resident Representative, Georges van Montfort. As Zimbabwe prepares for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases, the investment in 405 health facilities with solar grids will play a critical role in response to the disease. Power for medical devices, information systems and lighting will be important to contain the spread of the virus, provide care for patients and for real-time reporting of incidents across the country. Through the Global Fund, the UN has supported the National Response Plan to COVID-19 through the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers with US$4.1 million. UNDP is partnering with the Government, other UN agencies and the private sector to engage communities on information dissemination; support youth-led business working on the COVID-19 response, and to support the informal sector. Further, options for Global Fund support to the COVID response by the health sector are also being considered. The partnership between Government, Global Fund and UNDP to strengthen national health systems is supporting the country towards achievement of SDGs 3, 7, 8, 13 and 17: Good health and well-being, Affordable and clean energy, Decent work, Climate action and partnerships.

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24 June 2020

Providing services to survivors of gender-based violence during COVID-19

“Our work with Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and advancing women’s rights is not stopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, our contribution to the fight against the COVID-19 is to ensure that we continuously monitor and bring forward cases of gender-based violence through our members,” said Director of Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau, Ronika Mumbire. Women are largely affected both physically and emotionally while they are also at higher risk of infection as they respond to the crisis. Data from previous outbreaks’ emergency response efforts often divert resources from essential services, exacerbating ordinary lack of access to services, including pre- and post-natal health care, as well as contraceptives. UN Women Country Representative, Delphine Serumaga maintains that it is essential to address the immediate needs of women. “Everybody thinks that the world stops just because we have Covid-19 amongst us. No! That is not true. All other essential services must continue. It is imperative to ensure that women have an escape route when they are faced with abusive situations, while other individuals who are witnessing abuse must have adequate knowledge to advise or report such situations,” she said. Life-saving services for survivors of gender-based violence continue to be offered during Zimbabwe’s COVID-19-related lockdown, such as those offered by Bubi Shelter in Bubi district. This provides, not only shelter for survivors, but has also helps improve the reporting of cases. As part of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts, UNFPA Zimbabwe is working closely with civil society organizations and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs Community and Small to Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED) to ensure the continuation of GBV services. CSO partners include Musasa Project, Adult Rape Clinic, Family AIDS Counselling Trust, Family Support Trust, FACT, ZAPSO, ZICHIRE and World Vision. These efforts include equipping all supported GBV facilities – static and mobile one-stop centres, shelters and safe spaces – with COVID-19 infection, prevention and control (IPC) supplies. IPC supplies include masks, gloves, thermometers, temporary isolation tents for GBV survivors with suspicious symptoms, and extra transport support as alternatives to limited availability of public transport for survivors being referred to higher levels of care. These measures are critical to ensure that survivors receive the services they need, while also mitigating against the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a safe haven, Bubi shelter has become a beacon of hope in the community. It shows what can be achieved when there is solidarity against the crime of violence against women and girls. The facility brings together religious leaders, councillors, and men and women from the community to discuss how to end GBV against women and girls in the community, explained Ward Councillor Mbizo Siwela. We are very happy and grateful for the shelter as it is doing a good job in checking and supressing GBV. “The shelter has helped bring to light the plight of the girl child through community forum meetings, where issues relating to prevention of and response to gender-based violence are shared,” he said. “We are very happy and grateful for the shelter as it is doing a good job in checking and supressing GBV. The shelter has helped improve reporting of GBV cases.” Currently housing 15 survivors and 4 accompanying minors, the facility shelters women and girls who have experienced GBV, mostly at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them. “Enduring this type of violence is not an easy experience,” said Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, during a recent visit to the shelter. “We must ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and that this leads to convictions. We must never allow this to happen as a community. We must also ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and that this leads to convictions,” she said. The majority of GBV cases registered at Bubi shelter involve adolescent girls. The facility has also emerged as a strong link in the referral system, ensuring that survivors get a comprehensive package of care. Bubi equips the survivors with skills and knowledge on how to deal with GBV, thus training them to become community ambassadors ready to help others who might potentially experience violence. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on gender-based violence due to resultant socio-economic stresses. Cases of gender-based violence have been on the rise globally, as well as in Zimbabwe. In a normal month, the Musasa Project Call Center receives approximately 500 calls from survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Within a week of the lockdown being enforced in Zimbabwe, however, we have received 592 calls from women and girls experiencing GBV.” This increase in GBV cases is worrisome, but organizations such as Musasa Project are working tirelessly to ensure that women and girls receive the help and services they require to overcome abuse. For instance, Musasa Project has continued to provide safe spaces to survivors of GBV who need to seek shelter away from their abusive homes. Through the joint global Spotlight Initiative of European Union and the United Nations is providing assistance to organizations such as Musasa Project to ensure survivors of GBV have access to quality GBV services. This support will prove to be even more critical as cases of GBV rise rapidly due to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. To report for sexual and gender-based violence, contact immediately the following toll-free hotlines available 24 hours: Musasa Project: 08080074 Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA): 08080131

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29 October 2021

The Glasgow Climate Test

*By António Guterres The climate crisis is a code red for humanity. World leaders will soon be put to the test at the UN Climate Conference — known as COP26 — in Glasgow. Their actions — or inactions — will show their seriousness about addressing this planetary emergency. The warning signs are hard to miss: temperatures everywhere are reaching new highs; biodiversity is reaching new lows; oceans are warming, acidifying and choking with plastic waste. Increasing temperatures will make vast stretches of our planet dead zones for humanity by century’s end. And the respected medical journal The Lancet just described climate change as the “defining narrative of human health” in the years to come — a crisis defined by widespread hunger, respiratory illness, deadly disasters and infectious disease outbreaks that could be even worse than COVID-19. Despite these alarm bells ringing at fever pitch, we see new evidence in the latest UN reports that governments’ actions so far simply do not add up to what is so desperately needed. Recent new announcements for climate action are welcome and critical — but even so, our world is on track for calamitous global temperature rises well above 2 degrees Celsius. This is a far cry from the 1.5 degree Celsius target to which the world agreed under the Paris Agreement – a target that science tells us is the only sustainable pathway for our world. This target is entirely achievable. If we can reduce global emissions by 45 per cent compared to 2010 levels this decade. If we can achieve global net-zero by 2050. And if world leaders arrive in Glasgow with bold, ambitious and verifiable 2030 targets, and new, concrete policies to reverse this disaster. G20 leaders — in particular — need to deliver. The time has passed for diplomatic niceties. If governments — especially G20 governments — do not stand up and lead this effort, we are headed for terrible human suffering. But all countries need to realize that the old, carbon-burning model of development is a death sentence for their economies and our planet. We need decarbonization now, across every sector in every country. We need to shift subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and tax pollution, not people. We need to put a price on carbon, and channel that back towards resilient infrastructures and jobs. And we need to phase-out coal — by 2030 in OECD countries and 2040 in all others. Increasing numbers of governments have pledged to stop financing coal — and private finance needs to do the same, urgently. People rightly expect their governments to lead. But we all have a responsibility to safeguard our collective future. Businesses need to reduce their climate impact, and fully and credibly align their operations and financial flows to a net-zero future. No more excuses; no more greenwashing. Investors — public and private alike — must do the same. They should join front runners like the net-zero asset owners alliance, and the UN’s own pension fund, which met its 2021 carbon reduction investment objectives ahead of time and above its target, with a 32 per cent reduction this year. Individuals in every society need to make better, more responsible choices in what they eat, how they travel, and what they buy. And young people — and climate activists — need to keep doing what they’re doing: demanding action from their leaders and keeping them accountable. Throughout, we need global solidarity to help all countries make this shift. Developing countries are grappling with debt and liquidity crises. They need support. Public and multilateral development banks must significantly increase their climate portfolios and intensify their efforts to help countries transition to net-zero, resilient economies. The developed world must urgently meet its commitment of at least $100 billion in annual climate finance for developing countries. Donors and multilateral development banks to allocate at least half their climate finance towards adaptation and resilience. The United Nations was founded 76 years ago to build consensus for action against the greatest threats facing humanity. But rarely have we faced a crisis like this one – a truly existential crisis that — if not addressed — threatens not only us, but future generations. There is one path forward. A 1.5 degree future is the only viable future for humanity. Leaders must get on with the job in Glasgow, before it’s too late. *António Guterres is Secretary-General of the United Nations

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22 October 2021

Government, UN sign a new five-year cooperation framework

21 October 2021, Harare – today the Government and the United Nations signed a new five-year Zimbabwe UN Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF 2022-2026) that articulates the strategic engagement of the United Nations Country Team in Zimbabwe to support the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ZUNSDCF was signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Michek Sibanda and the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Maria Ribeiro. The Framework was also signed by a total of 25 UN entities committing the UN Development System to draw on the full range of UN expertise on a common platform describing the collective vision and response of the UN Development System in Zimbabwe. Noting that the ZUNSDCF was fully aligned to the 2021-2025 National Development Strategy I, the SDGs, and the African Union Agenda 2063, the Chief Secretary said, “The Cooperation Framework translates the promise to leave no one behind into tangible action for people on the ground, especially those furthest behind, while embodying the spirit of partnerships that are at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” The ZUNSDCF with full government ownership throughout the process, is a result of extensive consultations involving a wide range of key stakeholders whose inputs contributed to defining the strategic priorities and implementation modalities. Underlining the participatory nature of the ZUNSDCF process that brought together over 940 people representing various constituencies, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Maria Ribeiro said, “the Cooperation Framework will deliver concrete results that include access to quality public services and strengthening social cohesion; investing in preparedness and resilience; and accelerating transitions to green, blue, and digital that are critical to accelerate progress to leave no-one behind and protect the planet.” The ZUNSDCF lays out an ambitious programme to accelerate development progress during the Decade of Action on SDGs as Zimbabwe works to recover better and stronger from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ZUNSDCF represents the vehicle through which 25 UN entities in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders, will deliver transformative support that drives inclusive and sustainable economic growth, gender equality, human rights, and climate action. The 2022-2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is available here.

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01 October 2021

Zimbabwe receives nearly one million COVID-19 vaccine doses from COVAX

01 October 2021, Harare– Zimbabwe has received 943,200 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the global COVAX Facility to complement ongoing national vaccine deployment. The vaccines have been received in tranches where the first batch arrived on 29th September and the second batch today, 01 October 2021. In a handover ceremony held this afternoon, Dr John Mangwiro, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care said, “We are grateful to all partners for their support in facilitating the arrival of the vaccines in our country.” The COVAX Facility is a global partnership comprised of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO, established to facilitate equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries. The COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility are made possible thanks to the generous contributions from over 20 countries. The top seven countries that made donations to the COVAX Facility are: United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, European Union, Sweden, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. “We are delighted to see the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe through the COVAX Facility” said UN Resident Coordinator Maria Ribeiro. “This is an important and tangible act of solidarity from the international community and will bolster the admirable national COVID-19 vaccination rollout by Government of Zimbabwe.” To date, Zimbabwe has procured over 12 million doses and accompanying injection safety materials using its own local resources. As of 27 September 2021, a total of 3,051,371 eligible people in Zimbabwe had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 2,211,880 their second across the country. This translates to a national coverage of 35.7% for the first dose and 25.8% for the second dose. Zimbabwe launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 22nd February 2021, targeting health workers and essential services providers. With availability of more doses, the vaccination was opened to everyone and is provided on a voluntary basis and free of charge. While COVID-19 vaccination will allow countries to open their economic activities, continued adherence to preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus by wearing face masks, washing hands and respecting social distancing remain critical. The United Nations will continue working with the Government of Zimbabwe in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring continued provision of essential services including routine immunizations.

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29 September 2021

Zim youth join ‘Keep the promise’ digital campaign on SDGs

24 September 2021, Bulawayo - Youths in Zimbabwe this year joined the United Nations Zimbabwe at their exhibition stand at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo and took a lead on the 17 Promises campaign. The Campaign, which feeds into the global campaign for Sustainable Goals (SDGs), urges people to make a commitment to work towards fulfilling one or more of the 17 SDGs. Zimbabwe Youth SDG Trust (ZYSDG) mounted a selfie booth in which people made their commitments during the four-day fair which ran from 21-24 September. “Hi my name is Abigail Siziba. I commit to work with women from Bulawayo to ensure we achieve SDG number 6, Clean water and Sanitation for all,” said Siziba, a student at a College in Zimbabwe. Chido Sivare, a communicator with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information and Publicity pledged to reduce inequalities. “As a communicator I believe in communication for development and development for communication which will actually help to reduce inequality, to have everyone involved in development.” The 17 Promises selfie booth attracted a cross section of people. Honourable Joshua Sacco, Member of Parliament for the Cyclone Idai hit region of Chimanimani said: “In light of Cyclone Idai and global warming, the need to conserve the environment and reduce our carbon emission, I promise to be proactive to actively lobby for our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.” “We are involved in financial inclusion at national level with our co regulators and we have a particular interest in SDG 8, Decent work and economic growth. We make a pledge to work towards that all the way through to 2030,” said Farai Mpofu who is in charge of investor education at Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe. Jasper Mangwana, Executive Director ZYSDG said any developmental agenda that excludes the youth is not sustainable. He said it is important for our young people to partner with institutions that are driving development in Zimbabwe and the world. “Young people have the energy and the innovation to contribute meaningfully to development and I therefore implore the government, private sector and civil society to embrace initiatives from young people and make them feel part of the development agenda,” he said, adding “we want to appreciate the partnership we have with the United Nations in Zimbabwe as a lot of young people are coming forward and we must help them realise their full potential”. ZYSDG has 136 community chapters and special interest groups working on different SDGs in the country and are looking to taking the chapters into the country’s provinces because ‘the time to act for SDGs is now,” he said. The 193-UN member States made a commitment in 2015 to fulfil some or all of the 17 SDGs. The SDGs which include a commitment to end hunger, poverty, provide good health and sanitation, quality education, gender equality, and other areas to create a better world for all.

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29 September 2021

Youth champions in the ‘drive for democracy’

24 September 2021, Harare - The Embassy of Sweden and UN in Zimbabwe jointly convened a series of advocacy initiatives on democracy providing youth with the platforms to advance democratic resilience in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint advocacy that began on 15 September under the theme, youth for democratic resilience, marking the International Day of Democracy had facilitated a series of activities, including: opinion piece on youth participation and engagement in building democratic resilience, live studio-based conference where four young people read the bill of rights section of Zimbabwe’s Constitution and held discussion on how the rights to education, health, environment, food and water and many other fundamental rights can be fulfilled in Zimbabwe an open call to youth to submit a write-up on what democracy means to them received over 40 articles in which five top stories were selected and published. Ms. Rumbidzai Trish Chitsa, 23, in a piece she submitted on what democracy means to her said, “Democracy is about the people, and about governance that responds to the desires of the people. I still believe that us young people have a shot at unleashing democracy and making it a reality for all.” In Zimbabwe, more than 60% of the population is under the age of 35. The youth demographic dividend is an opportunity for innovation and change, a reminder to invest in young people and create an enabling environment so all young Zimbabweans have opportunities and reach their potential. Sustainable and inclusive development depends on the participation of the youth. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development overarching principle of “leave no one behind” is in sync with democratic principle of ensuring that all members of society - young people, men and women, people living with disabilities - are at the table of social, economic, and political dynamics. During a live studio-based youth panel discussion, Mr. Makomborero Carl Muropa, 23, Head of Research and Evidence of Section7 said, “The events on democracy day gave me unique opportunity to give youthful perspectives on the notion of democracy in Zimbabwe, and how Section7 is contributing to its fulfilment.” “Section7 acknowledges that young people can use the constitution for self-advancement and self-protection, in keeping with the spirit of democracy,” underlined Mr Muropa. COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately affected children and young people: hampering educational opportunities as well opportunities for youth in terms of livelihoods, including those young entrepreneurs dependent on the informal economy. UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Maria Ribeiro in her video message on the day said, “Many young people have risen to the challenge caused by COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing innovative responses to the pandemic.” Calling on policy and decision makers to seize the crisis caused by COVID-19 to invest in youth initiatives that foster employment, innovation, and climate smart action, Ms. Ribeiro said, “Young people are a powerful force for social transformation and development given the right kind of access to quality education, social services, and economic opportunities, that is, given the space to freely express their opinions and ideas.” Democracy is about reducing inequalities and supporting democratic principles, its institutions, and actors. It is about strengthening everyone’s right to be who they are and making their voices heard. In her video message to Zimbabwean youth, Her Excellency Åsa Pehrson, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe said, “Democracy is a highly prioritized area for Sweden’s foreign policy and in 2019 my government launched a global campaign called “Drive for Democracy to promote and strengthen human rights, democracy, and the rule of law – in all societies at all levels.” Noting Sweden’s history of supporting human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe before and since the country’s independence, Ambassador Pehrson said “We [Sweden] will continue our development cooperation with numerous local partners, in many cases with a special focus on young people, to improve different aspects of human rights and democracy.” The International Day of Democracy aims to strengthen democracy by promoting equality, freedom, peace, human rights, inclusiveness, participation, and solidarity. The UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres in his message on the day said, “Let us commit to safeguarding the principles of equality, participation, and solidarity, so that we can better weather the storm of [current] and future crises.” In 2007, the UN General Assembly designated 15 September as the International Day of Democracy inviting all Member States, organizations of the UN system, regional and intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to commemorate the Day “in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.”

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Press Release

25 November 2021

Spotlight Initiative delivers safe market, one stop centre to address gender-based violence

25 November 2021, Harare – the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union, and the United Nations together with local authorities in the Epworth district launched a Safe Market and One Stop Centre as part of ongoing joint efforts to end violence against women and girls. The opening of the Safe Market Space and the One Stop Centre coincided with the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence that will take place under a localized theme “End Violence Against Women Now: No to child marriages!” Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Honourable Jennifer Mhlanga said, “Economic empowerment of women is integral to any sustainable approach to eradicating violence against women as studies show that women who control their own resources are less vulnerable to being victimized because of their gender.” High levels of sexual and gender-based violence in Zimbabwe have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted national lockdowns. The COVID-19 crisis has also resulted in increased school dropouts, resulting in increased early marriages and a consequent alarming increase in teenage pregnancies. The Safe Market Model facilitates women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and security within public spaces by advancing Zero Tolerance to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The safe market showcased in Epworth comprises 96 secure, well-lit stalls, children’s resting room and play area, separate female, and male ablution facilities, and clean water facilities. Head of EU Development Cooperation Mr. Frank Porte said, “The EU fully aligns and supports Zimbabwe’s theme this year: “End violence against women and girls Now: No to child Marriage”. This constitutes a harmful practice that violates the rights of the child and robs children of their childhood and in most cases, results in increased poverty.” The One Stop Centre addresses a number of challenges related to SGBV service access, by providing multi-sectoral services, including health, psychosocial, safety and security, and legal under one roof in a survivor cantered manner. Noting that the two projects showcased and many other programmes across the country were supported by the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim Dr Alex Gasasira thanked the Ministry of Women Affairs for their leadership, the European Union for the generous financial and technical commitment, and the civil society organizations and local authorities for their continued efforts and partnership. Violence against women is not inevitable. The right policies and programmes bring results. That means comprehensive, long-term strategies that tackle the root causes of violence, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote strong and autonomous women’s rights movements. These two projects opened today and many other programmes across the country, including the recently launched High Level Compact to end violence against women and girls are models that the United Nations has built through its partnership with the European Union, the Spotlight Initiative. Since the launch of the Spotlight Initiative in 2019, some 3.8 million beneficiaries, including 2.3 million women and girls, in Zimbabwe received various services. Addressing Gender Based Violence has collateral benefits. Aside from improving women and girls’ general quality of life and access to social services, low levels of violence are also linked with increased economic opportunities and increased participation in the development of societies. For more information and media queries please contact: Lourdes Chamorro, EU Head of Political, Press and Information Section, Email: Lourdes.chamorro@eeas.europa.eu, +263 772 191 060 Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications Specialist, Email: sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org, Mob# +263 772 198 036 Bertha Shoko, Communications Analyst—UNFPA, Email: shoko@unfpa.org, Mob# +263 772 782 299 Fanuel Chakawa, Communications and Advocacy Officer – MWACSMED, Email: fanuel.chax@gmail.com, Mobile# +263 772922908 Innocent Katsande, UN Women Communications, Email: innocent.katsande@unwomen.org; Mob# +263773282485

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Press Release

27 October 2021

Zimbabwe’s Spotlight Initiative launches High-Level Political Compact to end gender-based violence, harmful practices

27 October 2021, Harare – Today, the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, and the United Nations in Zimbabwe launched the High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on Ending Gender-based Violence and Harmful Practices in Zimbabwe under the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. The HLPC launch and signing ceremony, presided over by His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, brought together various partners including Senior Government Officials, Head of EU Delegation and team, Development Partners, Heads of UN entities, representatives from traditional and religious leaders as well as Civil Society, to promote continued political commitment and engagement of leaders at the highest level to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices. Of the 22 countries implementing the global joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, Zimbabwe becomes the first country to launch a High-Level Political Compact, showing an admirable effort to eliminate violence against women and girls and harmful practices. Noting the Government of Zimbabwe’s strong commitment to ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality and women empowerment, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa said, “Today, we recommit ourselves by making a declaration through the High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) on ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. As we do so, it is my conviction and hope that accelerated, adaptive and innovative implementation of global, regional and national commitments as outlined in the Action Plan of this HLPC will lead to our ultimate aspiration of a Gender Based Violence free society by 2030.” The HLPC was developed as a strategic initiative for an effective response by the Government of Zimbabwe, in partnership with a range of key stakeholders and partners, towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls at the national and subnational levels. Acknowledging positive steps taken by the Government of Zimbabwe under the Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls, EU Ambassador, His Excellency Timo Olkkonen said, “The Spotlight Initiative, entirely funded by the European Union, takes our commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and particularly SDG 5 on gender equality, to the next level. The High-Level Political Compact adopted today by Zimbabwe is the first of its kind among all the Spotlight Initiative implementing countries around the world. Gender-based violence has become a national emergency and I would like to congratulate His Excellency, the President, for boldly declaring it as one with this High-Level Compact.” Gender-based violence and harmful practices, such as child marriages, continue to be a huge societal problem affecting women and girls of different socio-economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, which infringes upon their ability to have a voice, choice, and control over their own lives. The 2019 Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) estimated that 39.4% of women in Zimbabwe aged 15-49 experience physical violence at least once in their lifetime, while 11.6% of women within the same demographic reported experiencing sexual violence. The same document also indicates that, in Zimbabwe, 1 in 3 women in the country between 20-49 were married before the age of 18. In her address at the HLPC launch, the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Maria Ribeiro commended the HLPC launched taken by the Government of Zimbabwe as a platform to foster political will and ensure adequate policy reform and resource prioritisation for national prevention and response to end violence against women and girls. “The HLPC can help to increase budget on gender-based violence prevention services, which is critical reduce the immense health, legal and productivity costs that the country continues to incur because of the scourge of violence against women and girls,” said the UN Resident Coordinator. The HLPC, developed on the vision of a just society free from all forms of violence against women and girls, aims for increased high-level political will, commitment, and accountability to eliminate violence against women and girls, accelerate action to address violence against women and girls at the grassroots, subnational and national levels, as well as the effective monitoring and evaluation of the progress made towards ending these social ills. The implementation of the HLPC under the Spotlight Initiative will advance gender equality and women empowerment, mainstreaming of women’s rights, foster multi-sectoral collaboration and grassroot engagement, including with private sector, and civil society in ending violence against women and girls in Zimbabwe. END Note to the Editor: The Spotlight Initiative is a global multi-year partnership initiated by the European Union and the United Nations, in partnership with Governments, to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. Launched in Zimbabwe in 2019, the implementation of the programme is led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, in partnership with 6 UN agencies – namely ILO, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN WOMEN, the European Union Delegation and civil society organizations. With a funding commitment of USD30 million from the EU, the Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe is being implemented in five provinces across Zimbabwe, including Mashonaland Central, Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, and Matabeleland South under the following six pillars: Legislative and Policy Framework; Strengthening Institutions; Prevention and Social Norms; Delivery of Quality Services; Data Availability and Capacities, and Women’s Movement and Civil Society. Media Contacts: Fanuel Chakawa, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Communications Officer, E-mail: fanuel.chax@gmail.com, Mobile: +263 772 922 908 Lourdes Chamorro, European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, E-mail: Lourdes.chamorro@eeas.europa.eu , Mobile: +263 772 191 060 Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications Specialist, E-mail: sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org, Mobile: +263 772 198 036

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Press Release

19 August 2021

UN Country Team Zimbabwe Message on World Humanitarian Day

19 August 2021, Harare - The 2021 World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is dedicated to highlighting the human cost of the climate crisis. The climate crisis doesn’t affect everyone equally. People in vulnerable situations are already losing their lives, homes, and livelihoods. Time is running out for millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. The 2021 WHD, with a hashtag #TheHumanRace campaign, is a clarion call against the climate crisis clock. The UN Country Team calls on all people in Zimbabwe to join the race and participate in the Call to Action using #TheHumanRace on their social media handles. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published in August 2021 highlighted the link between human-induced climate change and extreme climactic events being experienced in every region across the planet. Human induced climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heat waves, heavy precipitation in some regions and droughts in others, as well as rising sea levels and melting glaciers to name a few examples. Without adopting rapid climate informed development programmes, the commitment made by 193 UN Member States to attain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will not materialize. Like most countries on the planet, Zimbabwe has experienced the harmful impact of climate shocks including consecutive severe droughts, floods and an increased occurrence of cyclones such as Idai in 2019. The impacts are felt first and foremost through water, impacting basic human rights and livelihoods. In 2019, some 270,000 people’s access to safe water and sanitation were negatively impacted by Cyclone Idai while drought put an additional 775,000 people’s water and sanitation at risk. The impact on Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector which is vulnerable to climate change have been significant. Agricultural production remains largely rain-fed and dominated by a single crop, maize. Crop and livestock production represent more than half of the total income earned by rural households. Women are disproportionately affected by climactic shocks as they constitute 61% of the farmers and provide 70% of the labor – mostly unpaid family workers. Safeguarding food security and ending hunger are therefore fundamental priorities in Zimbabwe. So too, is the active engagement of the youth to lead the way through green- innovation and green-creation. Building resilience in the agricultural sector through strengthening the linkages between humanitarian as well as development responses remains critical. Foreign direct investment as well as domestic private finance and investment are important sources of climate finance. A mix of public and private sources of finance will be needed to implement the climate adaptation and mitigation measures outlined in the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution. The United Nations in Zimbabwe has supported initiatives and projects to respond to climate change, provide basic services and cushion livelihoods. More specifically, the United Nations has: Assisted some 1.1 million people in 23 districts prone to recurrent natural disasters with various resilience building projects including in climate smart agriculture and business. Assisted approximately 138,255 people in eight cyclone-prone districts to put climate risk management plans in place and bolster environmental protection, including to protect safe drinking water. Assisted small-scale farmers to diversify away from maize and to cultivate diverse and drought resistant crops such as sorghum, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and beans. Diversifying crop production helps to strengthen capacity and ensure environmental protection through maintenance of soil nutrients. In addition, farmers have been supported to adopt climate smart agriculture including drip irrigation to optimize usage of limited water resources, and weather information systems for collecting data and predicting weather patterns. Supported the development and roll out of key policies such as: the forthcoming National Adaptation Plan, National Environmental Policy and National Climate Policy in order to strengthen the enabling policy environment in Zimbabwe and to review the country’s progress on its commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The United Nations in Zimbabwe recognizes the need to do more to tackle the looming climate crises with a sense of urgency that it deserves. Under its forthcoming five-year United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026), the United Nations will continue to prioritize as one of its four key priorities, programmes aimed at ensuring greater environmental stability and robust food, water, and sanitation systems in support of healthy lives and equitable, sustainable, and resilient livelihoods. To win the race against the looming climate emergency, as the UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres said, “Let’s lace up our running shoes, join #TheHumanRace campaign, and together, make sure everyone reaches the finish line.” About World Humanitarian Day On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/63/L.49 designating 19 August as WHD. Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

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Press Release

03 June 2021

Zimbabwe launches national dialogues on food systems

3 June 2021, Harare –Today the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement and the United Nations in Zimbabwe jointly launched national and provincial dialogues on food systems. Launching the national food systems dialogues, Honourable Dr. A J Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement underlined that the UN Food Systems dialogues were adopted to enable systematic and inclusive opportunities for stakeholders to be engaged in food systems. Noting the Government of Zimbabwe’s focus on transforming production and food systems was in sync with the objectives of the UN Food Systems Summit taking place in New York in September 2021, Dr Masuka said, “The Summit depends on the engagement of citizens all over the world, through a ‘three-stage’ dialogue process.” The three stage process are: identification of issues affecting food systems and existing national plans for sustainable food systems; identify promising approaches from engagements at sub national level that contribute to the development of national pathways especially in the face of devolution; and national authorities and stakeholder leaders to exchange views about the pathways and commitments of different actors towards sustainable national food systems by 2030. The launch which brought together over 130 delegates from Government, UN, Civil Society, Private Sector and Communities underlined that sustainable food systems remain critical to the achievement of all the SDGs and are directly related to health and well-being, and environmental sustainability. Noting that Zimbabwe has joined 116 UN Member States that have committed to convene such dialogues ahead of the global UN Food Systems Summit later in the year, Ms. Maria Ribeiro, UN Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe said, “the Food Systems Summit is central to the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by shaping the future direction and action for food systems.” The UN Secretary General, in September 2021, will convene a High-Level Food Systems Summit at the General Assembly in New York. Food systems encompass the entire range of actors and their interlinked value-adding activities involved in the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products that originate from agriculture, forestry or fisheries, and parts of the broader economic, societal and natural environments in which they are embedded. The objective of the UN global Food Systems Summit is to come up with solutions to transform food production, consumption, and the ecosystem to “build forward better” from COVID-19 and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Summit aims to deliver the following four outcomes: generate significant action and measurable progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. raise awareness and elevate public discussion about how reforming food systems can benefit people and the environment. develop principles to guide governments and other stakeholders looking to leverage their food systems to support the SDGs. leave a system in place to ensure that the Summit’s outcomes continue to drive new actions and progress. The national and planned subsequent provincial dialogues, as well as other dialogues that are being organized by Non-Governmental Organizations, including youth groups are expected to deliver perspectives to transform food systems in Zimbabwe. The United Nations in Zimbabwe in its new five-year UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) in support of national development priorities has adopted environmental protection, climate resilience and natural resource management as one of the four key strategic priority areas. The UN agencies in Zimbabwe have been supporting national efforts towards reaching the most vulnerable who live in fragile environments across the country and progressively building community resilience and livelihoods. Following the launch of the national food systems dialogue today, a series of localized dialogues will be convened in all Zimbabwe’s provinces in the coming weeks. Media Contacts : Barbra Machekano | Communications Officer | Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement | Email: barbsmute@gmail.com | Mobile: +263-773-847213 Kevin Mazorodze| Communications Specialist | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) | Email: Kevin.Mazorodze@fao.org | Mobile: +263-718-529889 Sirak Gebrehiwot | Communications Specialist | United Nations Zimbabwe Resident Coordinator’s Office | Email: Sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org | Mobile: +263-772-198036

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