HARARE, 1 May 2026 — On this Workers’ Day, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Zimbabwe (NANGO) recognises that advancing Zimbabwe’s development is inseparable from protecting the people who drive it. As a coordinating platform representing the interests of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating across the country, NANGO affirms that a shrinking civic space is a direct threat not only to democratic participation, but to the working lives of development practitioners and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) across the nation.
NANGO joins civil society, labour movements, and communities across Zimbabwe and the world in marking International Workers’ Day. We stand in solidarity with the development practitioners, community mobilisers, programme officers, field workers, legal aid providers, researchers, and human rights defenders who form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s civil society sector. These are the men and women whose work sustains communities, advances rights, and contributes meaningfully to national development. Today, we honour their labour and reaffirm our commitment to defending their rights.
Workers’ Day is a powerful reminder that every worker deserves dignity, fair compensation for services rendered, and protection from exploitation. For Zimbabwe’s civil society sector, this message is especially urgent. Development practitioners and HRDs are skilled professionals whose daily work sustains communities, upholds rights, and contributes to inclusive and sustainable national development. Yet they work in an increasingly difficult environment, where the narrowing of space for free expression, association, and peaceful assembly threatens both their personal safety and their ability to serve the communities that depend on them. Unlike many other workers, they carry a unique dual burden — navigating everyday employment challenges such as fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions, while also contending with an environment that can treat the very work they do as a threat. Arbitrary arrests, surveillance, intimidation, and restrictive laws not only harm individual workers; they weaken the entire civil society ecosystem that Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable people rely upon.
NANGO calls on all stakeholders to recognise that civic space and labour rights are deeply connected, and to work together towards an environment where development practitioners and HRDs can operate freely, safely, and effectively. In solidarity with labour movements, CSOs, and all citizens working towards a just and equitable society, NANGO reaffirms its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and protection of every worker within Zimbabwe’s civil society sector. To every development practitioner, human rights defender, community worker, and civic activist across Zimbabwe — your work matters, your contribution is valued, and your rights remain at the heart of everything we do.
About NANGO
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of Zimbabwe (NANGO) is the apex body for NGOs in Zimbabwe, representing 893 active member organisations across all sectors and provinces. NANGO provides leadership in advocacy, coordination, and capacity strengthening to promote a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient civil society.
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The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) today joined the global community in commemorating World NGO Day 2026, reaffirming the indispensable role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in driving Zimbabwe’s development, strengthening resilience, and advancing people-centred transformation.
As part of the commemorations, NANGO convened the 3rd Annual CSO Symposiums in Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare, and Mutare, bringing together more than 400 CSOs and key stakeholders from civil society, Government, development partners, the private sector, labour, academia, and non-state actor apex bodies. These symposiums provided a platform to celebrate the enduring contribution of civil society while fostering dialogue, collaboration, and strategic reflection.
This year’s suggested theme, “Celebrating People-Driven Transformation: Adapt, Innovate, and Empower for Resilience and Sustainable Impact,” resonates strongly within Zimbabwe’s current development context. The theme underscores that meaningful and sustainable transformation is not institution-driven, but people-driven, rooted in communities organising around shared needs, aspirations, and solutions.
Speaking during the commemorations, NANGO leadership highlighted that civil society continues to operate within a complex environment marked by economic constraints, climate vulnerabilities, public health pressures, evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifting global development cooperation models. Despite these challenges, the sector remains resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to serving communities.
Across Zimbabwe, CSOs are:
While many of these interventions operate quietly, their cumulative impact is transformative — reinforcing resilience at household, community, and institutional levels.
The symposium also emphasised the importance of adaptation and innovation within the sector. In a rapidly evolving global and national landscape, CSOs are increasingly embracing diversified resource mobilisation strategies, digital tools, improved governance systems, social enterprise models, and strengthened compliance mechanisms to sustain their work.
Central to the discussions was the operationalisation of the PVO Amendment Act. NANGO reiterated the sector’s commitment to constructive engagement to ensure that implementation of the Act remains clear, practical, and facilitative — safeguarding the continuity of essential humanitarian and development services delivered to communities across Zimbabwe. An enabling environment, NANGO emphasised, is built on predictability, transparency, accountability, and mutual trust. It must balance regulatory oversight with operational effectiveness while protecting public interest and safeguarding civic contribution.
World NGO Day serves not only as a celebration but also as a call to action — to recognise the professionalism, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment of CSO workers who remain at the frontline of service delivery and advocacy, often under significant strain. It also reaffirms the importance of collaboration among Government, development partners, private sector actors, labour, and academia in advancing inclusive and sustainable national development.
NANGO expressed appreciation to State actors for ongoing dialogue toward creation of an enabling operating environment for CSOs, to development partners for their continued solidarity amid global funding uncertainties, and to the broader NGO ecosystem for its resilience and dedication.
As Zimbabwe navigates complex socio-economic realities, NANGO reaffirmed its commitment to fostering and safeguarding an enabling environment in which civil society can thrive and continue contributing to national development.
World NGO Day 2026 stands as both a celebration and a renewed pledge — to adapt in the face of change, to innovate amid constraints, to empower communities for sustainability, and to build resilience for a people-driven, inclusive Zimbabwe.
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) is Zimbabwe’s apex body for non-governmental organisations, representing and coordinating the collective interests of civil society to promote sustainable development, democratic governance, and an enabling operating environment.
For media enquiries, please contact:
NANGO Communications Desk via email at info@nangozim.org or cell at +263 712 507 925
Zimbabwe has commenced preparations for its third round Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation, scheduled for 2026–2027. The Mutual Evaluation will assess the country’s compliance with international standards on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF), including FATF Recommendation 8, which specifically relates to Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). This process is highly consequential for civic space. Without proactive and informed civil society engagement, there is a risk that overly restrictive regulatory measures may be introduced under the banner of international compliance, further limiting the ability of CSOs to operate freely and legitimately. At the same time, the evaluation presents an important opportunity for civil society to influence risk assessments and policy responses to ensure that AML/CFT/CPF measures are proportionate, evidence-based, and consistent with international human rights standards.
As part of the preparatory phase, the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) convened a Pre-Mutual Evaluation Workshop from 12 – 16 January 2026 at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. The workshop aimed to prepare key stakeholders who will be directly involved in Zimbabwe’s Mutual Evaluation, including officials working on AML/CFT/CPF matters and representatives expected to engage with FATF assessors during the evaluation process. Participation targeted institutions responsible for policy, regulation, and implementation within the national AML/CFT/CPF framework.
Civil society participation in the workshop was limited, reflecting the historically constrained involvement of NPOs in FATF-related processes. Through NANGO’s facilitation, representatives from the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Alliance of Community-Based Organisations (ACBOs), and the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum attended the workshop, alongside the PVO Registrar and officers from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW). In total, four representatives participated on behalf of the NPO constituency.
The workshop was particularly significant for civil society as it builds on ongoing advocacy around FATF Recommendation 8, which has frequently been misinterpreted and misapplied in ways that justify disproportionate regulation of NPOs. In Zimbabwe, such misapplication has contributed to restrictive legal and policy developments, including provisions within the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Act of 2025. The limited representation of NPOs at the workshop further underscores the need for deliberate and coordinated engagement to ensure that civil society perspectives are adequately reflected throughout the Mutual Evaluation process.
Historically, Zimbabwean civil society has not meaningfully participated in previous FATF Mutual Evaluations and has largely been excluded from in-country AML/CFT/CPF processes. Many CSOs and CBOs have a limited understanding of how the Mutual Evaluation operates, the areas of focus for assessors, and the potential implications of the process for civic space and organisational operations. This knowledge gap heightens the risk of regulatory responses that may undermine legitimate civil society work.
In response, NANGO is prioritising a sector-wide sensitisation and awareness initiative aimed at strengthening CSO and CBO preparedness for Zimbabwe’s upcoming FATF Mutual Evaluation. The initiative will focus on demystifying the Mutual Evaluation process, clarifying the intent and scope of FATF Recommendation 8, and explaining the role of civil society in supporting compliance while safeguarding operational freedoms. It will also address in-country AML/CFT/CPF obligations, typical areas of assessor scrutiny, and practical measures organisations can adopt to identify compliance gaps and mitigate risk.
The overall objective of this initiative is to strengthen sectoral understanding of FATF Recommendation 8, empower organisations to engage meaningfully with the Mutual Evaluation exercise, and foster collective advocacy for risk-based, proportionate, and rights-respecting AML/CFT/CPF oversight. This is particularly important given that NPOs will be afforded an opportunity to engage directly with FATF assessors during the Mutual Evaluation process.
Based on key takeaways from the preparatory process and lessons from other jurisdictions, including Kenya, NANGO intends to establish a Zimbabwe NPO Technical Working Group (TWG) on FATF. The TWG will serve as a structured and coordinated platform to strengthen civil society engagement in FATF-related processes. It will facilitate engagement with regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the implementation of a risk-based approach to AML/CFT/CPF oversight that is effective without undermining civic space.
The TWG will also monitor AML/CFT/CPF compliance trends, assess regulatory risks, and provide timely updates and technical guidance to CSOs. Through coordinated advocacy, peer learning, and capacity building, the group will support efforts to prevent the securitisation of civic space and ensure that compliance measures do not become tools for arbitrary or disproportionate restrictions on civil society. It will further enable CSOs to anticipate regulatory changes, provide informed input into the Mutual Evaluation, and contribute meaningfully to shaping national AML/CFT/CPF responses.
The Mutual Evaluation will assess both Zimbabwe’s technical compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and the effectiveness of its AML/CFT/CPF system. Mandatory Recommendations to be assessed include Recommendations 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 24, 25, 30, 31, 38, and 40. The process will culminate in a single public Mutual Evaluation Report that provides an internationally agreed assessment of Zimbabwe’s compliance and effectiveness, alongside recommendations for strengthening the national AML/CFT/CPF framework.
Of particular relevance to civil society is Immediate Outcome 10, which examines the extent to which Zimbabwe has applied focused and proportionate mitigation measures to NPOs identified as vulnerable to terrorist financing abuse, without disrupting or discouraging legitimate NPO activities. FATF Recommendation 8 explicitly seeks to address the historical misapplication of counter-terrorism financing measures to the non-profit sector. It requires countries to identify relevant risks, apply proportionate and targeted measures, and remain mindful of the impact of regulation on legitimate NPO activities. Measures that are overly burdensome or restrictive, or that impose obligations such as due diligence on NPOs, are not consistent with the FATF standards.
During the 15th Edition of the NANGO Annual NGO Directors’ Summer Retreat, held in Masvingo, a dedicated session on the FATF Mutual Evaluation Overview was convened to further enhance civil society understanding of the process and its implications. A presentation was delivered by Mr. Tichafa Chigaba, Deputy Director at the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Zimbabwe, who provided insights into the Mutual Evaluation framework, key assessment areas, and expectations for Zimbabwe ahead of the 2026–2027 evaluation cycle. The engagement formed part of NANGO’s ongoing efforts to promote informed, constructive dialogue between civil society and regulators on AML/CFT/CPF issues. For those who were unable to attend the session, the recording is available and can be accessed here:
The FATF Mutual Evaluation represents a critical moment for Zimbabwe’s civil society sector. The way AML/CFT/CPF standards are interpreted and implemented during this process will have lasting consequences for civic space, organisational autonomy, and democratic participation. Sustained, coordinated, and technically informed civil society engagement will be essential to ensure that international compliance obligations strengthen transparency and accountability without eroding the freedoms necessary for civil society to operate effectively.
We are excited to announce the launch of Nosizo, our new WhatsApp-based Compliance Assistant Chatbot.
Nosizo is a digital tool designed to support Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), and even the general public in understanding the regulatory and compliance requirements for organisations operating in Zimbabwe. It provides easy-to-access, up-to-date guidance on legal frameworks, registration processes, reporting requirements, and key policies affecting the civil society sector.
Civil society in Zimbabwe operates in a complex and evolving regulatory environment. Navigating compliance requirements can often be confusing and time-consuming. With Nosizo, you can now access clear, simplified, and reliable information instantly — anytime, anywhere.
To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, Nosizo is conversant in multiple languages — including English, Shona, and Ndebele — making compliance guidance easier to understand for all stakeholders across Zimbabwe.
Simply click this link and start chatting with Nosizo on WhatsApp today!
Contact → 📞 “How can I reach NANGO directly?”
💬 Pro Tip: Anytime you get lost, just type Help.
We believe in empowering civil society through knowledge and innovation. Nosizo is here to make compliance easier, strengthen transparency, and ensure that NGOs and CSOs can continue delivering impact to communities across Zimbabwe.
📲 Start the conversation now and let Nosizo guide you towards compliance made simple!
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW) has officially gazetted the new registration fees for Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) through Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 82 of 2025. The regulation, issued under Section 28 of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05], introduces separate registration fees for international and local PVOs.
International PVOs are now required to pay a registration fee of US$250.00, while local PVOs will pay a registration fee of US$150.00, payable in local currency at the prevailing bank rate. What remains unclear is whether the organisations will pay at the point of application submission or once their application documents are reviewed by the registrar. It is also unclear whether the payments will be done by cash only or bank transfers will be permissible. We are also unsure on whether organisations that have submitted their applications prior to the gazette will pay or it shall only apply to organisations that are yet to submit their applications. NANGO shall engage the Registrar’s office to get clarification on these grey areas.
NANGO continues to monitor developments regarding the implementation and the operationalisation of the PVO Amendment Act, advocating for a seamless process that will not inhibit or disrupt the operations of the organisations as they adapt to the new regulatory regime.
To ensure members and stakeholders receive tailored support, NANGO is rolling out Compliance Clinics across all its regional offices, designed to provide practical guidance on registration, compliance requirements, and navigating the evolving regulatory framework. These clinics create a safe and collaborative space where organisations can access expert advice, ask questions, and gain clarity on issues related to the PVO Amendment Act and its implementation.
Additionally, you can now get instant support on PVO registration, compliance matters, and other related queries through the NANGO Compliance Chatbot at +263 78 536 1929. Simply start a chat and our virtual assistant will guide you with the information and resources you need.
We remain committed to ensuring that members, partners, and stakeholders have timely information on regulatory updates. We encourage organisations to take note of these changes and factor them into their compliance planning.
With the 90-day transitional period provided for under the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025, having officially ended on 22 August 2025, we wish to update you on the current status and guide you on the way forward.
NANGO is actively engaging with the regulator, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), as we await their official communication on the next steps regarding registration and compliance. Please note, you can still submit your application despite that the 90 working days transitional period has lapsed. We therefore encourage all organisations that have not yet done so to finalise and submit their applications without delay, to avoid disruptions to operations.
Checklist for Local NGOs Transitioning to PVOs
If your organisation is in the process of applying for registration, please ensure that you have compiled the following documents:
Need Support? Visit Our Compliance Clinic
NANGO is here to walk with you through this process. For tailored, in-person support, you can access our Compliance Clinics through the following channels:
Regional Offices – Compliance Clinics are also available at all four NANGO Regional Offices to serve members and stakeholders across the country:
📲 For quick support, you can now get instant support on PVO registration, compliance matters, and other related queries through the NANGO Compliance Chatbot at +263 78 536 1929 or Click Here. Simply start a chat and our virtual assistant will guide you with the information and resources you need. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at: +263 712 507 925
On 11 April 2024, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025, was signed into law, closing a legislative journey that began on 5 November 2021, when the Bill was first gazetted. Now, 82 days later, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Trusts, and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across Zimbabwe are actively engaging with the transitional requirements and compliance measures introduced by the new law.
The transition period provides a crucial window for organisations—especially pre-existing Trusts and Common Law Universitas—to register as PVOs. However, several systemic, structural, and operational hurdles have emerged, complicating what should ideally be a straightforward compliance process.
This detailed update draws on data collected by NANGO through PVO Sensitisation and Outreach Blitz, which included workshops in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare, reaching a total of 249 organisations. It captures lived realities on the ground, highlights key observations, and presents priority actions needed for a smooth, inclusive and efficient implementation of the PVO Act.
📊 Snapshot of the Registration Progress
Out of the 249 organisations engaged:
If your organisation has not yet participated in our feedback process, we encourage you to contribute to our ongoing PVO registration tracking efforts by completing this short form:
📌 Contextual Realities: Implementation Challenges and Gaps
🧩 Challenges and Observations
From the Regulator’s Side (Supply Side):
From CSOs (Demand Side):
🧰 Resources and Support Offered by NANGO
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document: Aggregated from Registrar responses and field engagements. 🔗 Access FAQ Here
📝PVO Registration Advisory Note: Step-by-step guidance for CSOs navigating the registration process. 🔗 Download the Advisory Note
PVO Amendment Act, 2025, Fact Sheet: A summary of the key provisions for informational purposes. 🔗 Download the Fact Sheet
🤝 In-Person Support and Referrals:
Our Regional Coordinators are available across the five regions to assist in peer reviewing application documents, provide referrals to legal/technical advisors, and assist with form completion and submission.
🚨 Key Asks and Priority Actions Going Forward
To ensure smooth implementation of the PVO Amendment Act, NANGO recommends the following:
To the Regulator:
To Development Partners:
To Civil Society Organisations:
On 11 April 2025, Zimbabwe officially gazetted the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill into law. This marks a major shift in how Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are regulated in the country. The Act, first reintroduced in Parliament on 1 March 2024, moved through all legislative stages despite ongoing concerns from CSOs about some of its provisions and their impact on civic space.
Throughout the process, CSOs engaged openly with the government, hoping to help shape a law that promotes both accountability and a supportive environment for civic work. CSOs have long been key partners in Zimbabwe’s development, contributing to governance, service delivery, and alignment with international standards. Contrary to popular belief, CSOs are not against regulation. They have always shown a willingness to cooperate with the government to ensure a clear and fair operational space.
As part of their engagement, CSOs submitted proposals to Parliament, met with the Minister of Justice, and responded to a call from the Attorney General to share feedback. At one point, the Attorney General even promised to arrange a meeting with the President to resolve outstanding concerns. However, the law was passed before these discussions could take place—disappointing many in the sector and undermining the spirit of inclusive dialogue.
Although the Act claims to promote a better working environment for PVOs, many of its provisions fall short. One major concern is the very short transition period. Section 14 of the schedule gives existing charitable organisations just 90 days to register under the new law. This is not enough time for most organisations, which often need to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs), change their constitutions (with at least three months’ notice), complete audits, and consult with members and partners. Some may even need to dissolve or restructure existing trusts—steps that take time and legal support.
Initially, CSOs proposed a 12-month transition period. The Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare recommended nine months. Yet, the final law set the deadline at only 90 days, without explaining why. This rushed process risks disrupting the sector, causing legal confusion and potential non-compliance. It also conflicts with Section 68 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees fair and lawful administrative action.
Another problem is the lack of clarity in the registration process. The law does not outline how applications will be processed, how long decisions will take, or what organisations should do if their applications are rejected or they choose not to re-register. The Registrar has wide powers to demand extra requirements at any time, which could lead to endless delays. Additionally, the new standard constitution model fails to reflect the diversity of CSOs, especially those that are not membership-based.
Public consultations on the Bill also raised concerns. Hearings held in May 2024 were disrupted in cities like Harare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Chinhoyi. Citizens were blocked from participating, and some hearings were abandoned. Still, the Portfolio Committee managed to compile a report with feedback from those who were able to take part.
The law-making process itself also faced issues. Changes made in the National Assembly were not included in the version passed by the Senate in October 2024. These were only partly fixed in February 2025, highlighting poor coordination and transparency in finalising the law.
Beyond legal issues, CSOs have played a vital role in Zimbabwe’s development. They have supported humanitarian efforts, promoted human rights, and worked with the government on health, education, economic development, and disaster response. As Zimbabwe moves from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2, strong partnerships with CSOs will remain critical.
CSOs have also supported international development goals and taken part in key reform processes, such as the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution initiative. Worryingly, the new law may affect Zimbabwe’s performance on global governance indicators. By April 2025, the country had already dropped in nine of sixteen indicators on the Mo Ibrahim Index—an outcome that could worsen if civic space continues to shrink.
Although the Act claims to support PVO operations, many of its provisions create legal confusion, administrative burdens, and restrictions that could prevent CSOs from carrying out their work effectively. If not improved during implementation, the Act could harm Zimbabwe’s democratic growth and development progress.
Zimbabwean CSOs remain committed to transparency, accountability, and national development. They call on the government to reopen inclusive dialogue to ensure that their work is not disrupted. As NANGO, we believe that a strong, independent, and empowered civil society is essential to Zimbabwe’s success—not only in delivering services but in building trust, encouraging innovation, and making sure no one is left behind.
On 26 November 2024, the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Michael Nyambuya, announced that the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024] had been sent back to the Senate for reconsideration due to the omission of amendments previously made by the National Assembly. This was done in terms of Standing Order Number 147. These omissions were identified in the consolidated version of the Bill presented to the Senate.
The Senate resumed its debates on 12 February 2025 after their festive break, and the PVO Amendment Bill reconsideration was one of the business for the day. It went through to the third reading, meaning it shall now be transmitted to the next stage, which is the Presidential assent.
During the recommittal stage, the Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, detailed the clauses requiring correction. The omissions primarily involved crucial changes to governance structures, compliance requirements, and penalties related to PVO operations. The following clauses were identified for reconsideration:
The PVO Amendment Bill has significant implications for civil society operations, compliance, and governance in Zimbabwe, making it essential for CSOs and stakeholders to remain engaged in the legislative process. NANGO continues to monitor these developments and will provide further updates as they unfold. For a copy of the revised PVO Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024], which was presented to the Senate, and a link to the Hansard recording of the Senate proceedings, please refer to the following: Revised PVO Bill and Senate Hansard
NANGO remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for an enabling environment that supports the growth and sustainability of Civil Society in Zimbabwe. As we continue to monitor the ongoing developments surrounding the PVO Amendment Bill, we affirm our dedication to pushing for a legislative framework that guarantees fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression in line with the Constitution and other international instruments. NANGO will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers and regulators, to ensure that the revised Bill aligns with the principles of good corporate governance and enhances the role of CSOs in contributing to the country’s inclusive governance and sustainable development. Our efforts to secure a robust and supportive legal instrument reflect our unwavering belief in the vital role that CSOs play in advancing human rights, social justice, and development in Zimbabwe.
Harare, Zimbabwe – 10 December 2024 – The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the global community today in commemorating Human Rights Day 2024, under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” This day is a reminder that human rights are not just ideals or aspirations, but essential elements that must be safeguarded and promoted today to ensure a better tomorrow for all. Human rights are the foundation for a just, inclusive, and sustainable society and are vital in securing the future of all citizens.
In Zimbabwe, the protection and promotion of human rights continue to face significant challenges. According to the CIVICUS Monitor, the country’s civic space remains “repressed,” with restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) continue to face legal and extrajudicial harassment, and journalists, human rights defenders, and activists are often targeted for their work advocating for the rights of citizens. These systemic constraints limit the participation of citizens in decision-making processes, which undermines the democratic process and denies individuals their basic rights.
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association are cornerstones of a vibrant civil society. These rights empower citizens to speak out against injustices, organize collectively to demand accountability and advocate for policies that reflect the needs of their communities. For civil society in Zimbabwe, these freedoms are essential for fostering dialogue, conducting advocacy, and holding the government accountable for its human rights obligations.
Freedom of expression enables individuals and organisations to voice concerns, share information, and raise awareness about societal issues without fear of censorship or reprisal. It ensures that diverse perspectives are heard, contributing to inclusive decision-making processes. Similarly, the right to peaceful assembly allows citizens and CSOs to self-organize and discuss matters of social justice and human rights. Freedom of association is critical for CSOs to form coalitions, mobilize resources, and collaborate effectively to address complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.
However, these fundamental rights are increasingly under threat in Zimbabwe. Civil society continues to face restrictions that undermine its ability to operate effectively. The Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Amendment Bill, 2024, imposes stringent regulations on the civil society sector, severely limiting their ability to function independently and autonomously. Provisions in the bill grant the government broad discretionary powers to interfere in the governance, operations, and funding of CSOs.
Human Rights in Zimbabwe: The Path Forward
To safeguard the role of civil society and ensure the realization of the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” NANGO urges the government to promulgate laws and instruments that align with constitutional and international human rights standards. Civil Society should not be seen as an adversary but as a critical partner in advancing development, good governance, democracy, and human rights.
NANGO emphasizes that freedom of expression, assembly, and association are not privileges but rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. These rights are integral to the ability of civil society to serve communities, advocate for justice, and promote good governance. Restricting these freedoms not only weakens civil society but also undermines the broader socio-economic and political stability of the nation.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, we urge all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and promoting these fundamental rights. The government, civil society, development partners, and citizens must work collectively to create an environment where freedoms are respected, and civil society can thrive. Only then can we truly realize the vision of a just and equitable future where “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” is more than a theme but a reality for all Zimbabweans.
Recommendations for Human Rights Progress:
In line with the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” NANGO offers the following recommendations to the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society, development partners, and citizens to ensure that human rights are prioritized and protected:
To the Government of Zimbabwe:
To CSOs:
As we commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, NANGO urges all Zimbabweans to reflect on the importance of upholding human rights in every aspect of life. The theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” underscores the urgency of addressing human rights challenges and promoting the well-being of every citizen today, so that a better tomorrow can be realized. The government, civil society, development partners, and citizens must work together to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced for all people in Zimbabwe.
We Are NANGO
NANGO is a voluntary coordinating body of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe, dedicated to creating a conducive environment for NGOs to operate effectively and contribute to national development. NANGO provides a platform for collective action and advocacy, amplifying the voices of its members and promoting sustainable development. Through its efforts, NANGO aims to empower civil society and foster resilient communities that thrive in a democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe.
Contact Us
For media enquiries, please contact NANGO Communications via email at info@nangozim.org. Feel free to visit our website and read more about our work at www.nangozim.org.