Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has called on the government to take concrete steps to protect and strengthen democracy in Zimbabwe, as the country marks International Day of Democracy.
The day, which is commemorated annually on 15 September, offers an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy both locally and globally.
In a statement, ZLHR praised the courageous Zimbabweans who defend democratic values, often at great personal risk, highlighting their role in promoting human dignity, social justice, peace, and inclusive development. The statement reads:
15 September 2025
ZLHR STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reaffirms its support to all people standing up for democratic values and universal rights in Zimbabwe and across the world and implores government to take concrete actions that safeguard and strengthen democracy.
Commemorated annually on 15 September, International Day of Democracy, provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in Zimbabwe, in Africa and across the world.
ZLHR salutes courageous and committed defenders of democracy, who work every day, often at great personal risk to establish, promote, maintain, defend and safeguard democracy, an act which is key to preserve and promote the dignity of people as well as fostering social justice, peace, unity and inclusive development.
As a universally recognised ideal, democracy provides an environment for the protection and effective realisation of human rights when its essential elements such as freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections are upheld.
However, the foundation of democracy is under significant threat owing to pressures and attempts to undermine democratic processes.
This shows that democracy is fragile and requires constant vigilance and hence there is need to push back attempts to erode the gains of democracy.
In recent years and months, democracy and the rule of law have been under assault from disinformation, misinformation and shrinking civic space while the government has intensified its onslaught against dissent through arresting media practitioners and ordinary citizens on charges of transmitting data messages with the intention of inciting violence.
The government has despite several protestation and condemnation, proceeded with enacting restrictive laws such as the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act, controversial laws which have the net effect of severely restricting civic space and the right to freedom of association and expression in Zimbabwe.
It is saddening that it has taken the tireless legal efforts of ZLHR to rescue some pro-democracy campaigners, who continue to be subjected to needless persecution and prosecution on frivolous charges and who end up being exonerated by the courts.
It is imperative for government to understand that democracy thrives when human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people are upheld and that it has a collective responsibility to build a resilient and inclusive society for present and future generations.
On its part, ZLHR will keep demanding enforcement and accountability for the commissions and omissions of those with obligations to ensure government’s adherence to the principles of democracy, constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law and human rights.
- To make the ideals of democracy into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere, ZLHR calls on the government to;
- Foster democratic governance and enhance democratic systems including upholding citizens’ rights;
- Fully implement the provisions of the Constitution and foster a culture of constitutionalism through respect for the supremacy of the Constitution;
- Repeal undemocratic and retrogressive pieces of legislation such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act, which restrict civic space;
- Domesticate the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which provides clear standards for democracy, respect for human rights and the holding of regular, free and fair elections.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
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