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International Human Rights Day commemorations in Gweru
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
December 02, 2011

More than five hundred people from Lalapanzi, Shurugwi, Chirumhanzu and Kwekwe converged at he Gweru Civic Centre on the 30th of November to commemorate the United Nations International Human Rights Day (HRD).

ZimRights chose to uniquely celebrate this year's HRD with five schools taking part in a choir competition. The schools were Loreto secondary school, St Patrick's secondary school, Regina Mundi High School, and Leopold Takawira secondary school. While this year's theme focused on "Human rights defenders who act to end discrimination", the choral piece highlighted on socio-economic rights of children, women and people living with HIV.

Gracing the event was Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Royal Republic of Netherlands MS Barbara Joziasse who was the guest of honour accompanied by the RNE Democracy and Governance Programmes Manager Mrs Joyleen Ndoro. Ms Joziasse expressed her admiration and confidence in the people of Zimbabwe, citing that in spite of all the challenges, they have remained hardworking. She stated that Zimbabweans are educated and intelligent hence the Netherlands will continue to support students who want to purse their studies in her native country. She emphasized the importance of children enjoying their rights to education, identity documents and decent standards of living .

Amongst the guests, was Hourable Deputy Mayor of Gweru, Mr. Taurai Demo and representatives from the Provincial Education Director's office Mr. Hove. Both re-iterated the need to ensure that socio economic rights are valued and that people enjoy their rights without discrimination.

Representatives from civil society organisations also presented solidarity speeches in which they highlighted the need to remain steadfast in the fights for the respect of human rights. Many pointed out that , more often than not , socio-economic rights are taken for granted resulting in abuse as well failure by many, especially children to access and enjoy these rights. In the choral competitions, the first prize was taken by St Patricks Secondary School, which walked away with a floating trophy, Leopold Takawira on second place walked away with a floating trophy, Regina Mundi on third place, Loreto on fourth and Tongogara Secondary school on fifth place. All the schools walked away with cash prizes.

Visit the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) fact sheet

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