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Press Release
10 December 2022
Message on Human Rights Day | UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
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Story
20 October 2022
UN supported programmes integrate prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
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Speech
11 October 2022
Regional Knowledge Sharing Symposium: 2gether4SRHR programme
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Story
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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Story
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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Story
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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Story
20 October 2022
UN supported programmes integrate prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
The United Nations in Zimbabwe conducted an awareness campaign on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) in Highfields and Hopley targeting communities who have been receiving relief and development assistance from various UN entities.
The campaign, which took place on 14 October 2022 brought together experts from UNRCO, UNOPS, GOAL, and Musasa, is part of an ongoing nation-wide effort to promote the United Nations policy of zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in UN supported programmes.
“The United Nations does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse hence it should be reported through established channels. A survivor-centered approach in handling such matters will be taken to ensure the victim is safe and that justice is served,” said the United Nations PSEA Coordinator, Lipotso `Musi.
Through implementing partners, GOAL Zimbabwe and Musasa, the PSEA awareness-raising campaigns include roadshows, jingles, skits, and media outreach to motivate communities to report SEA and appreciate that relief assistance is free for all people in need. The objective is to deconstruct negative social norms where the vulnerable are sexually exploited for money, employment, goods, or services from individuals in positions of authority.
“The project supports the critical work of Non-Governmental Organizations and UN Agencies supporting the Government of Zimbabwe by ensuring all affected people know that humanitarian assistance is never conditional,” stated Gashaw Makonnen, Country Director for GOAL in Zimbabwe.
The United Nations, with funding from the Embassy of Ireland, has rolled out the PSEA Project across all ten provinces of Zimbabwe. The project is designed to create awareness among communities on their right to protection from SEA, and in the unfortunate case, educate beneficiary communities on access to safe channels for reporting.
In Zimbabwe, disasters have escalated the need for humanitarian assistance which has also increased communities’ exposure to sexual exploitation and abuse from humanitarian workers. A consistent, long-term engagement with communities will dismantle negative social norms which perpetuate exploitation and abuse and create barriers to safe and accessible reporting of sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated against beneficiaries.
Findings of risk assessment undertaken by the Zimbabwe PSEA Network in 2020, highlighted barriers to reporting SEA are linked to low awareness of reporting channels and fear of retaliation by the perpetrators who use their power to exploit. The PSEA project provides a platform for individuals to speak out without fear of exclusion from humanitarian assistance.
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Story
09 September 2022
Statement by the Secretary-General on the death of Queen Elizabeth II
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I extend my sincere condolences to her bereaved family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the wider Commonwealth of Nations.
As the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart. She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership.
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Story
22 June 2022
Leave no one behind: Spotlight Initiative a boon to women with disabilities
Chipinge, Zimbabwe – Angeline Mlambo, 41, from Chipinge rural district says her life turned around for better when the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls programme (Spotlight Initiative) began work in her village.
As a person with a disability, Angeline has survived abuse and discrimination by her own close family members including her husband.
Angeline says, “My husband would constantly insult me. He would withhold money from me even if I needed it to buy food for the household; he would insist on doing it himself.”
“My husband’s family considered me useless because I was not able to work with my hands to make a living for myself like other women do – like washing clothes and farming,” says Angeline while pointing towards her right hand, which has been partially paralyzed since birth.
Angeline’s experience is sadly not a rare occurrence for women with disabilities in Zimbabwe and across the world. According to the World Bank’s brief on Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities published in December 2019, girls and women with disabilities face up to 10 times more violence than women and girls without disabilities.
Women with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence. These factors can be attributed to them being targeted by perpetrators because of limited physical mobility or means of communication.
Disability rights are human rights
When Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe (LCDZ) introduced awareness programmes in Chipinge, Angeline’s situation began to change. “Through LCDZ, I learnt that I could take care of myself and be independent even as a woman with a disability. I have also learnt about my rights and how the law protects people like me. I now feel empowered to overcome the challenges I face, and I know where to report abuse and receive assistance,” said Angeline.
Under the Spotlight Initiative, UNDP has partnered with LCDZ to provide women and girls with a platform to learn about their rights and include them in law and policy making processes.
Project Officer of LCDZ, Ms. Isabel Chipunza said, “Meaningful participation of women and girls with disabilities in political and public life has been a core principle of LCDZ under Spotlight Initiative. Capacitating women and girls with disabilities to participate in national and subnational decision-making processes and strengthening the capacity of local leadership and community cadres to support this vulnerable group will go a long way in addressing their unique challenges and building a more inclusive society.”
Building women’s economic empowerment in communities
LCDZ has also provided women and girls with disabilities in Chipinge with capital to start their own projects to foster economic empowerment. These projects, including agriculture and poultry farming, have been essential in giving women in this community a sense of ownership, and a means to provide for their families without overdependence on their male partners.
“With the support of LCDZ, I learnt that being a person with a disability does not prevent me from living life like able bodied persons. I am now able to cultivate my own garden. Through the borrowing and lending project, I was able to buy Guineafowl eggs, and now I have started my own project, with over 100 Guineafowls that I can sell to generate income, provide food for my family, and take my children to school,” says Angeline with pride beaming from her eyes.
UN support to women and girls with disabilities in Zimbabwe
There are many challenges and discriminatory practices that inhibit the meaningful participation of women and girls with disabilities in decision making and development processes. As one of the six UN Agencies implementing the European Union (EU) funded Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe, UNDP, in partnership with LCDZ, continues to support women and girls with disabilities in this area, and is also providing them with access to economic empowerment opportunities.
Head of Governance, and Spotlight Initiative Technical Focal Point at UNDP, Ms. Tafadzwa Muvingi said, “Within Spotlight Initiative, the UN has successfully championed transformative initiatives which have led to increased participation of women and girls with disabilities in development and decision-making processes, as well as the gender-based violence response in Zimbabwe.”
Ms. Muvingi added, “Empowerment of women and girls with disabilities in this regard is central to enhancing their voice and agency and addressing the barriers they face in accessing sexual and gender-based violence related services and participating in legislative processes.”
To date, UNDP has trained over 610 women and girls with disabilities on human rights, access to justice and sexual and gender-based violence services. In addition, over 1,200 women and girls and representative of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) have been supported to participate in public consultations on the National Budget, Disability Bill and Policy, Constitutional Amendment Bill, principles for the Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment Bills, and age of consent to accessing reproductive healthcare services, to mention a few.
Message to women and girls with disabilities
Asked what message she would like to share with other women and girls with disabilities, Angeline said, “Firstly, accept who you are and realize you are a human being like everyone else. Secondly, do not look down on yourself because of your disability. You are more than capable, and I encourage you to work for yourself and be able to sustain your own livelihood.”
About Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls
The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative of the UN, which has received generous funding from the European Union (EU). Zimbabwe is one of 22 countries globally and 8 countries in Africa that have benefitted from this programme with a funding commitment of USD 30 million from the EU. Since the programme’s launch in 2019, the UN in Zimbabwe has been implementing projects in five provinces across the country, namely: Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, and Matabeleland South. As at the end of December 2021, the Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative programme had reached a total of over FIVE million beneficiaries, including over THREE million women and girls, and about TWO million men and boys.
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Story
16 June 2022
Day of the African Child: Lets remove harmful practices, end child marriages
*By Edward Kallon
As Zimbabwe and the continent mark the Day of the African Child on 16 June, I pay tribute to the recent Zimbabwe’s constitutional court ruling that increased the legal age of sexual consent from 16 to 18 years old.
The day of the African child is being commemorated under the theme Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013.
On this important day, I want to shine a light on the issue of child marriage as a global problem that cuts across countries, cultures, and religions.
Unless governments, society and development partners redouble efforts and act with the sense of urgency, according to some estimates 150 million more girls will be married by 2030.
The recent Constitutional Court’s ruling and the High-Level Political Compact to end violence against women and girls launched end of last year by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the joint UN-EU Spotlight Initiative are examples of progress on policy and practice in Zimbabwe.
Child marriage compromises girls' development and often results in early pregnancy and social isolation. The right to ‘free and full' consent to a marriage is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - with the recognition that consent cannot be ‘free and full' when one of the parties involved is not sufficiently mature to make an informed decision about a life partner.
The practice of child marriage further perpetuates the unrelenting cycle of gender inequality and often increases their risk of violence. Girls who are married young are at risk of rape and physical violence as they lack power in relation to their husbands and in-laws.
Here in Zimbabwe, child marriages, according to the domestic violence bill, are considered a form of gender-based violence.
Girls in Zimbabwe are married early. By age 19, when most children are expected to be starting their university or tertiary education, over half of the girls in the country are already in marriage.
This reduces their chances of realizing their full potential in life as well as exposing them to other vulnerabilities like sexual and gender-based violence and poverty.
The prevailing socio-economic challenges, and the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on lives and livelihoods has exposed further existing vulnerabilities and caused further deepening inequalities, particularly gender inequality and spiking sexual and gender-based violence.
We know the enormity of the challenge of child marriages. So let us take a hard look at what needs to change and what we are doing to end this scourge.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind.
Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.
The UN System in Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of efforts to end violence against women and girls through supporting the national strategy which focuses on prevention, protection and provision of services as well as addressing social norms that perpetuate such violence.
The work of the UN family and its partners reflects the breadth and depth of the challenges faced by girls and this includes interventions in education, training and skills, child protection, HIV and AIDS, food security, among many others.
The UN is working on sexual and reproductive health and rights, reaching girls in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas with critical information on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
To address the HIV challenge which disproportionately affects girls and young women, the UN has been supporting major HIV prevention programmes for adolescent girls and young women.
Furthermore, the UN is working on a range of interventions aimed at preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence through the joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls, with over US$ 30 million financial support from the European Union.
Programmes under the Spotlight Initiative include, strengthening capacity of state and non-state actors of the Justice Law and Order Sector to implement programmes and advocacy strategies to address sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices.
In addition, the UN is providing support law makers to accelerate legal and policy reform in the fields of child justice, child protection, marriage, cybercrime, and criminal justice including enhancing forensic laboratories.
I believe, this support will ensure that violence, abuse, and neglect of girls is quickly identified, responded to, investigated, and prosecuted through strong national systems that are child friendly and cater to the specific vulnerabilities of girls.
On the Day of the African Child, the UN Development System in Zimbabwe renews its commitment to support and amplify the demands and voices of girls in the country to:
First, live free from violence, harmful practices including child marriages, and HIV and AIDS. This requires an integrated approach where legislation is followed by strict and swift enforcement of the law.
Second, stay in schools, finish their school and be given opportunities to learn new skills towards the futures they choose. This requires ensuring equal access to quality education and skills development. I cannot overemphasize on the importance of having better education opportunities for girls especially in secondary and tertiary education to enhance the wellbeing and better future economic opportunities for girls. Poverty has major correlation with child abuse and exploitation, including child and early marriages. Girls in poorest communities are six times more likely to experience child marriage than their counterparts in higher wealth quintiles.
Third, mobilize a generation of activists accelerating social change. Ending child marriage in Zimbabwe and protecting girls against the negative consequences of early marriage needs more than legislation, policies, and project design. It needs behavioral and mindset change in the communities. I call on community leaders and influential elderly men and women, as well as boys and girls to advocate in their communities to end child marriages. Let us ensure zero tolerance to child marriages.
Fourth, scaling up services and information about the services such as the “one stop center” initiative which provides essential and quality medical and psychosocial services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices. It is known that a survivor of sexual and gender-based violence requires many different types of services: police services, health care, legal service, and psychosocial support.
On the day of the African Child, the UN Development System in Zimbabwe stands ready to double efforts in support of national and local initiatives to remove harmful practices, end child marriages and violence against women and girls – leaving no one behind. Leave no one behind means leave no girl and woman behind.
*Edward Kallon is the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe
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Story
16 May 2022
17 Cyclists cycle 263km to Mutare to raise awareness on SDGs
17 Cyclists cycle 263km to Mutare to raise awareness on SDGs
17 Zimbabwean cyclists began a 263 kilometre ride to Mutare to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under a project called Cycling for SDGs. The event started at the Embassy of the Republic of Malawi, who are also the current SADC chair, with speeches from the Ambassador for Malawi H.E Mwayiwawo Polepole, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon and a Representative of the Ministry of Youth.
After the cutting of the ribbon by Mr. Kallon, the cyclists began their journey on SDG-branded bicycles. They made several stops along the way to interact with people, with a major stop being in Marondera, 80 kilometres east of Harare where 20 local cyclists, the towns’ Mayor, Resident Ministers’ representative and other officials joined them in cycling 500metres for SDGs.
The cyclists reached Mutare on Sunday 8 May after an overnight stop in Rusape. It was in Mutare that the Ambassador for Tanzania, H.E. Professor Emmanuel Mbennah who was acting SADC chair, launched the SADC region Cycling for SDGs. He encouraged young people and women to also participate in cycling for the SDGs as they are well able.
Speaking at this event, UN Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon said: “I am here this morning to show solidarity and reassure you that the United Nations and its entities are with you in advancing our Common Agenda encapsuled in the 17 SDGs.” He added that sport can be used as a low-cost and high-impact tool in development, humanitarian and peace-building efforts not only by the UN but by governments, development agencies, sports federations, NGOs and the media.
The cyclists were riding with a particular SDG in mind. Nkulumo Dube who is a four times National Cycling champion in various categories said he cycled to end poverty, because there can be little development where there is poverty.
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Press Release
10 December 2022
Message on Human Rights Day | UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
Seventy-four years ago, in 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Today, the UN family joins the Government and people of Zimbabwe, and development partners to mark Human Rights Day.
This day also marks the end of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
The 2022 Human Rights Day theme is – Stand up for Human Rights: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.
As we mark Human Rights Day, we are reminded of what is contained in the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - that recognition of the inherent dignity; equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
As we journey together towards achieving the milestones in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, we must be mindful of the fact that only by standing up for universal human rights can we advance sustainable development, prevent violence, and sustain peace.
The 2030 Agenda and its 17 goals range from ending poverty, hunger, inequality, to protecting the environment, advancing peace and human rights for all.
The 2030 Agenda therefore seeks to ‘leave no one behind’ and ‘reach those furthest behind first’.
Human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals are therefore two sides of the same coin.
Despite progress made, we are still faced with diverse challenges in many areas.
The challenges include gender equality, youth engagement, racism, climate change, access to water, social protection, quality education and health to mention but a few.
In his transformative vision for human rights – the Call to Action for Human Rights – the UN Secretary General places dignity, freedom, and justice for all at the heart of our collective engagement to build a more sustainable, just, inclusive, and peaceful world.
Indeed, in his message on Human Rights Day, the Secretary General said,
“Human rights are the foundation for human dignity, and the cornerstone of peaceful, inclusive, fair, equal, and prosperous societies. They are a unifying force and a rallying cry.
They reflect the most fundamental thing we share – our common humanity.”
Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the landmark Universal Declaration on Human Rights giving us a great opportunity for action.
Let us all use this milestone to reaffirm the universality, the inalienability, and the indivisibility of all human rights.
Let us all stand up for human rights for all.
Thank you.
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Press Release
09 October 2022
UN strongly condemns the death of 15-year-old Nokutenda Hwaramba during childbirth
Harare, 07 October 2022 - The United Nations in Zimbabwe strongly condemns the untimely death of Nokutenda Hwaramba, a 15-year-old minor, who reportedly died while giving birth at an apostolic sect shrine.
All forms of violence and early forced marriages contravene the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. The United Nations in Zimbabwe urges the authorities to conduct investigations into this matter and to bring the alleged perpetrators to justice.
Under the Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative[1] Country programme, a High-Level Political Compact (HLPC) to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices including child marriages was signed by the Government. Subsequently, the country enacted a Child Marriage Act which prohibits marriage of children under 18 years and the Constitutional Court ruled this year that the legal age of sexual consent be raised from 16 to 18 years in May 2022.
The UN calls for enforcement of national laws and policies to ensure full protection of young girls from all forms of sexual violence and harmful practices.
Media Contact:
Sirak Gebrehiwot | Communications Specialist | UN Resident Coordinator’s Office – Zimbabwe | Email: sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org | Mobile: +263-772 198 036
[1] The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative of the United Nations which has received generous support from the European Union. Its aim is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
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Press Release
20 June 2022
Zimbabwe commemorates World Refugee Day in Tongogara Refugee Camp
20 June 2022, Tongogara Refugee Camp, Manicaland, Zimbabwe: Today is World Refugee Day, a day to honour the courage, strength, and contributions of millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war or persecution. It's a day to remember that with help from hosting communities and neighbours, people can rebuild their lives and networks and even thrive.
This year's theme is "Everyone has the right to asylum. Whoever they are. Wherever they come from. Whenever they need it."
In Zimbabwe, World Refugee Day celebrations took place in Tongogara Refugee Camp in Manicaland Province. UNHCR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and partners, organized the commemoration in the camp with refugees and asylum-seekers. Together they remembered the importance of welcoming newcomers into their communities. Those forced to flee bring their cultures, unique experiences, and hope – all of which make any community stronger and more vibrant.
The celebrations in the refugee camp included a wide range of entertainment activities organized by refugees and asylum-seekers, from performances of traditional dance groups to refugee children reading poems and singing the national anthem.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare donated food hampers containing necessities for an average family to all residents in the refugee camp.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Professor Paul Mavima, said, "the Government is alive to its international obligation to receive and protect refugees and asylum seekers. The need to empower persons of concern in terms of livelihoods need not be over emphasized. The Government of Zimbabwe will continue to avail arable land for the expansion of the irrigation scheme in Tongogara to benefit refugees and the host community to ensure peaceful co-existence."
The attendees at the celebration in Tongogara visited some projects in the camp supporting refugees and the host community's self-reliance, namely the irrigation scheme, the hydroponics project, the new school building for children with disabilities, and an organization led by young refugees dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among youths.
The UNHCR Representative in Zimbabwe, Abdoulaye Barry, stated that "it is our collective responsibility to ensure that people have access to refuge. But our responsibility does not end there. Once they are out of harm's way, people who have been forced to leave their homes and almost everything else behind need a chance to rebuild."
During the celebrations, UNHCR and UNDP inaugurated the new solar panels installed in UNHCR's field office in Tongogara Refugee Camp, with the support of the Green Energy Team (GET) of UNDP's Information & Technology Management (ITM).
The key driving factor for UNHCR to install a solar photovoltaic panel solution is to cover critical load while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable development in the country. This clean energy solution is not dependent on generator fuel, covers 99% of critical loads of UNHCR's, Government's and partner's offices in Tongogara Refugee Camp and allows for estimated yearly savings of 8.530 kg of CO2.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, Mia Seppo, who participated in the inauguration and the celebrations in the refugee camp, pointed out that "this smart facility with UNHCR shows UNDP's commitment to greening its operations. We recognize that while we partner with the Government on environmental policy and sustainability projects, we also need to walk the talk," said Seppo.
The Government of Zimbabwe hosts over 22,600 refugees and asylum-seekers. Most of them reside at Tongogara Refugee Camp. Approximately 74% of the refugees and asylum-seekers registered by UNHCR are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while 11% come from Mozambique, 6% from Burundi, 5% from Rwanda, and 4% from other nationalities.
Globally, the number of people forced to flee conflict, violence, human rights violations, and persecution has now crossed the staggering milestone of 100 million for the first time on record, propelled by the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts. In addition, there is renewed violence in places where protracted crises continue, such as Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UNHCR's mandate is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people forced to flee. Together with partners and communities, we work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. We also strive to secure lasting solutions.
For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Communications, mpslswzim@gmail.com, +263 (24) 2790871, +263 (24) 2251288, +263 (24) 2251022, +263 (24) 2796450. Follow the Ministry on Twitter: @Ompslsw
UNHCR, Sonia Gonzalez, Associate External Relations Officer, gonzalso@unhcr.org, +263 787 135 147. Follow UNHCR on Twitter: @UNHCRZimbabwe
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Press Release
15 June 2022
Government – UN validate development results, set priorities for 2022 and beyond
15 June 2022, Harare – today senior representatives from Government and the United Nations together with development partners, donors, civil society, and NGOs validated development results achieved in 2021 under the 2016-2021 Zimbabwe UN Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) and agreed on priorities for 2022 and beyond under the new five year, 2022-2026 Zimbabwe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation (ZUNSDCF).
The ZUNSDCF joint senior steering committee meeting was co-chaired by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Misheck JM Sibanda and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon.
Noting the overarching principle of “leaving no one and no place behind” of the agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development that Government and UN adopted, Chief Secretary to President and Cabinet Dr Misheck J M Sibanda said, “This shared commitment is focusing on delivering concrete development results that ensure inclusive participation and reaching the people who historically and typically are left the furthest behind on the socio-economic development landscape.” “Our thrust as the Government, UN and partners to work together to accelerate impactful sustainable development during the Decade of Action as we emerge stronger and recover better from the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Dr Sibanda.
The ZUNSDCF is the strategic instrument for planning and implementation of the UN supported development programmes and projects in the country. Given the ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgency of its implementation timeline, the ZUNSDCF firmly guides the entire programme cycle, comprising planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation as well as reporting on collective UN support in the developmental process.
The ZUNSDCF, an agreement between the UN and the Government of Zimbabwe, also determines and reflects on the UN development system’s contributions to the country and shapes the configuration of UN support required inside and outside the country.
Noting the generous support of the donor community and their partnerships with the UN that facilitated the delivery of development projects and programmes worth USD523 million in 2021, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe Mr Edward Kallon said, “The UN, we collectively remain committed to achieving the aspirations of the Cooperation Framework through the deployment of human, technical and financial resources in the most effective and efficient manner towards delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the transformative recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Development partners validated the 2021 UN supported development programmes and projects worth USD 523 million under the just ended 2016-2021 ZUNDAF programme cycle.
The participants also adopted development priorities for 2022 and beyond that were identified as key programmes and projects in keeping focus on the interventions that will contribute to the realization of the ZUNSDCF in ending poverty, transforming the lives of all citizens, and protecting the environment.
The priority areas agreed-to include socio-economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic, climate action and resilience building and programmes focusing on youth, women, persons with disability, indigenous population, key populations, migrants, and other population of concern under the principle of leaving no one behind.
Through jointly developing the 2022 Joint Work Plan under the ZUNSDCF, the Government, UN, and partners seek to operationalize the people, planet, prosperity, and peace pillars of the Cooperation Framework, in a collaborative manner.
Media Contact:
Anderson Chiraya, Chief Director of Programme Management, Office of the President and Cabinet, e-mail: chiraya.anderson@gmail.com, #Mob: +263 712323859
Sirak Gebrehiwot, UN Communications Specialist, e-mail: sirak.gebrehiwot@one.un.org, Mob# +263 772 198 036
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Press Release
24 January 2022
UNHCR’s Protection Chief concludes three-day visit to Zimbabwe
Supporting the Government's efforts to protect and assist refugees and learn about the situation of refugees in the country dominated the visit of UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Gillian Triggs, to Zimbabwe from 19 to 21 January.
Triggs met with partners, donors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Makamure Shava, and the Minister of Public Services, Labour & Social Welfare, Paul Mavima.
"We had very open and constructive discussions with the Government on all issues relating to the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers in the country. I'm encouraged that the Government will reinforce their commitment to improving refugee protection in accordance with international law," said Triggs.
Zimbabwe is home to more than 22,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. Most refugees live in the Tongogara refugee camp in Manicaland province and a small population live in urban areas. Zimbabwe hosts mainly refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Burundi and Rwanda.
Refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.
"Zimbabwe submitted 14 pledges during the Global Refugee Forum in 2019 and the High-Level Panel on Statelessness. There were seven to improve the situation of refugees in the country and seven on statelessness. I thank the Government for this bold decision in support of refugees and to address statelessness issues, I encourage them to fulfil all the commitments," said Triggs.
A stateless person is a person who is not recognised by any state as its national. Being a national of a state gives a person the right to access and exercise rights such as education, health, and work.
Triggs went to the Tongogara refugee camp as part of her visit, where nearly 15,000 refugees and asylum-seekers live. She met with UNHCR’s partners, local authorities and the camp management. There she also saw first-hand the few livelihoods projects being carried out to support the self-reliance of the people living in the camp.
"Access to livelihoods opportunities, skills development, education, health, safety and security including peaceful co-existence with the host community are contributing to a favourable protection environment. Besides, access to cash to facilitate their daily lives is fundamental for refugees to live in dignity. I'm pleased to see that the Government, together with partners and UNHCR in the country, are working on this," said Triggs.
Triggs thanked the Government for including refugees and asylum-seekers in the national COVID-19 response and related national vaccination plans. Refugees and asylum-seekers in the country have access to the health and education systems.
Triggs pointed out that, still, more needs to be done to improve the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers. For that, the international community's support is critical. She called out for more resources to support refugees living in the country and the communities hosting them.
While in the Tongogara refugee camp, Triggs had the opportunity to talk to a group of refugees, predominantly leaders in their community, and learn about their needs and situations.
For more information, contact:
Sonia Gonzalez, Associate Relations Officer, +263 787 135148, gonzalso@unhcr.org
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Resources
26 August 2021
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