Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba yesterday said while the new Constitution is rich with sections upholding human rights, it was unfortunate that authorities still violated the Charter.
SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Speaking during International Human Rights commemorations organised by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in partnership with the United Nations Development Programmes held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, Malaba said it was pointless to write a good constitution and then violate it.
“It is pointless to write good statements in the constitution when people behave differently to what they wrote,” he said.
“What is the point of writing a good constitution when people cannot adhere to it?
“What has been said and done today is what the Constitution says must happen.”
Malaba said citizens should be allowed to exercise their rights freely, without fear that these might be violated.
“If you are doing what the Constitution says you can do, others must not interfere with you,” he said.
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“If you are demonstrating and you are not stopping others on the way, not blocking others or traffic, you must do it.”
Malaba pointed out that police officers should not develop a habit of assaulting suspects.
He raised concern at the number of reports that women and children were being abused.
“I know that some progress has been made in enforcing human rights, but we have prevalence of abuse of women and children,” he said.
“Women are abused and others even get killed and this is done by someone who wants to continue enjoying life,” he said.
“These are our rights which each one of us must take part in protecting.
“We must protect our wives and children.”
European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philippe Van Damme, called for an independent judiciary system to enable a level playing field for all citizens.
He said this would enable a transparent justice system to prevail in the courts.
