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Zimbabwe Universal Periodic Review report
United Nations Human Rights
October 14, 2011

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Introduction

1. Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 was born out of a protracted armed struggle for democracy, justice, political freedom and the right to self-determination. In this regard, the country is desirous of promoting and upholding human rights for all. Despite the illegal sanctions induced challenges which the country is going through currently, Government remains committed to the advancement of these rights.

I. Methodology and consultation process

2. The methodology used in compiling this Report is a combination of field, desk, group discussions, research and stakeholders' consultations through a series of workshops and other forms of communication. The Inter-Ministerial Drafting Committee for the UPR coordinated by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs first developed a framework for the compilation of the Report. Pursuant to this, consultative meetings and workshops were held with relevant Ministries and Civil Society Organisations in line with the UN Human Rights Council guidelines adopted at its 6th session in September 2007. UN agencies provided technical assistance, training, funding and information sharing in accordance with UPR guidelines on the drafting of national reports. Stakeholders were also consulted through electronic and print media. A national consultative workshop involving all stakeholders was then held to complement and validate the report.

II. Normative and institutional framework

A. Geography

3. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the Southern part of Africa. The land area is 390 757 square kilometres, 85% of which is agricultural land. The rest of the land consists of national parks, State forest and urban land. The country is divided into 10 administrative provinces.

4. The country's estimated population is 12.2 million (2008) of whom 70% live in rural areas. The annual average inter-censual population growth rate was 1.1% (1997 to 2002).

5. Zimbabwe is a multi-cultural country, with the majority of the population comprising black indigenous people. The official languages are English, Shona and Ndebele. Other languages spoken in Zimbabwe include Tonga, Nambyia, Venda, Chewa, Shangani and Kalanga.

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