NANGO Statement on International Day of Peace

“End Racism, Build Peace”

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace and appeals to all people in Zimbabwe to live together in a united, kind, loving, and peaceful way.

The International Day of Peace is commemorated every year on the 21^st of September and is set aside for all humanity to build a society where every individual feels safe and can flourish regardless of race. This year’s theme is “End Racism. Build Peace”.

NANGO affirms section 56(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination and states that “every person has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner on such grounds as their race”. In this light, it is important to promote dialogue and counter hate speech by addressing the root cause of inequality.

Therefore, in commemoration of this day, the International Day of Peace offers everyone, a shared date to organise events and undertake deeds celebrating the importance of peace and democracy in realistic and useful ways. It is pertinent to appreciate that tolerance of faces is a crucial aspect of democracy and any violent actions will further limit the right of people to exercise their constitutionally protected rights of equality and non-discrimination which are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights.

Sustainable Development Goal 16 aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. Without peace and stability, we cannot hope for sustainable development. We are living in a world that is increasingly divided. In Africa today, some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security, and prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is by no means inevitable and must be addressed. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity.

As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, vulnerable groups, such as racial minorities, the poor, and the sick, have been impacted more than others, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Race-based discrimination in whatever form – hate speech or violence – is not tolerated by NANGO.

NANGO applauds the efforts that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have made so far in a bid to advocate for peace and the respect of basic human rights by all especially toward ending all forms of discrimination, racism, and tribalism. We, therefore, commend the achievements garnered so far and also, aim to echo the need for CSOs to continue their work in lobbying and advocating for the respect and protection of basic human rights, especially the marginalised groups that are usually left out based on their race, gender, and ethnicity.

The association, on this day, proposes the following recommendations to the Government of Zimbabwe:

• To ensure the preservation of peace as the country head toward the general election in 2023
• To increase efforts in the protection of basic human rights in the spirit of the Leave No One Behind and Leave No Place Behind principles.
• To amend all ancillary laws that may have a direct relationship with the provisions that deal with issues of racism and discrimination, to ensure consistency and harmony in the legal framework
• To implement the provisions of African human rights systems, including recommendations by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission).
• To hold accountable anyone irrespective of their political, religious, or professional affiliations when they make utterances in public or private that disturb the peace and incite violence within or without their spheres.
• To proactively engage their Southern African counterparts in proactive bids to address the disruption of peaceful living among our nationals “The Dudula Phenomenon” and urge Africa I, in general, to desist from sacrificing innocent lives via xenophobic attacks.
• To continue addressing the outstanding issues of healing and reconciliation whose responsibility lies with the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) in a manner that is transparent and progressive.
• To facilitate the building of Peace Centres across the Provinces to accommodate victims of violence.
• To ensure that peace is tangible and not just rhetoric.

We say “let us resolve to strengthen harmony and togetherness in our society, which are the hallmark of peace”.

Dr Phiri ~ NANGO Board Chairperson

Peace is the basis for prosperity and progress. Through understanding, compassion, and supporting each other, we can create a peaceful Zimbabwe and world.

Who We Are

NANGO is the official voluntary coordinating body of registered NGOs in their diversity operating in Zimbabwe. NANGO is registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) under the PVO Act Chapter [17:05]. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making and non-denominational organisation mandated to strengthen the voice of NGOs for the betterment of the people in Zimbabwe.