Victoria Falls, October (New Ziana) –The 7th Congress of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa opened in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Thursday with a call for the three pillars of the state accross the continent to operate in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.
Vice President Chiwenga made the call while officially opening the congress, 209 delegates from 45 countries, 10 regional and international organizations and sister countries outside Africa including Russia, Iraq, Turkey, Albania and Austria.
“This should be underpinned by integrity to give full meaning to human rights and dignity in accordance with national Constitutions,” he said.
The congress, which takes place every two years, brings together representatives from constitutional democracies across Africa with the inaugural one being held in Algeria in 2011.
It is the second time that the congress has been convened in Southern Africa, following the 4th one which was hosted by South Africa in 2017.
This year’s event is running under the theme, “Human Dignity as a Founding Value and Principle, A Source of Constitutional Interpretation, Protection, and Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights.”
“Meetings of this nature are crucial as they bring together members of the judiciary to discuss matters of common interest for the good of our countries, the region, and beyond,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The judiciary plays a critical oversight role on other organs of State in ensuring compliance with the Constitutional provisions of a country. It is only an independent judiciary that is able to undertake and fulfil such a critical role,” he added.
VP Chiwenga highlighted the role of an independent judiciary in fostering economic growth and social unity.
“In this regard, Zimbabwe has established the Human Rights Commission, enshrined in the Constitution, to safeguard human rights,” he said, urging the Congress participants to maintain solidarity for the enhancement of regional legal systems.
Reflecting on the legacy of African unity, VP Chiwenga referred to the formation of the African Union in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, noting that the realization back then by nationalists was that unity is the continent’s strength in overcoming oppression and poverty.
“This should remain the guiding principle, the bedrock of all our efforts as we build nations with systems that serve the best interests of our people,” stated.
“In unity lies the strength of Africa to outdo the machinations of those who do not wish to see us prosper. In unity also lies the strength of Africa to deliver the kind of justice that resonates with African values and principles to which our people can easily relate.”
VP Chiwenga further noted the role of Constitutional Courts in safeguarding fundamental rights.
“We regard our courts, and I believe every court in the region and beyond, to be the last line of defence with regards to the application and protection of people’s fundamental human rights,” he said.
He also said an independent judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law in a democratic society, serving to protect human rights and providing checks and balances on other government arms, VP Chiwenga expressed optimism that over the two-day conference, participants would explore effective judicial methods to uphold and enforce human rights and freedoms, especially human dignity.
New Ziana