HARARE — Zimbabwe’s Parliament has been urged to urgently strengthen legislation and oversight mechanisms to tackle the growing impact of climate change and development-induced displacement, as lawmakers warn of an “existential threat” facing communities across the country.
Speaking during a high-level engagement, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sam Matema, said Zimbabwe stands at a defining moment in shaping its environmental and developmental future.
He stressed the need for Parliament to align national policies with international frameworks such as the Kampala Convention, particularly provisions that focus on the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons.
“Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is a present and urgent crisis. As Parliament, we must locate ourselves clearly within this context and ensure that our legislative and oversight roles respond effectively to the realities facing our people,” said Matema.
Zimbabwe is increasingly experiencing multiple forms of displacement, with communities being uprooted by natural disasters such as floods and droughts, while others are affected by large-scale development projects aimed at modernising infrastructure and stimulating economic growth.
Matema acknowledged that the Second Republic’s infrastructure drive, including the expansion of water bodies and other climate-resilient systems, is essential for sustainable development. However, he stressed that such initiatives must be inclusive and protect vulnerable populations.
“There is a constitutional obligation, especially under Section 13, to ensure that all citizens are involved in development processes. This includes protecting those who are displaced and ensuring they receive adequate support and compensation,” he said.
The discussion also revisited historical precedents, particularly the displacement caused by the construction of the Kariba Dam between 1956 and 1966, which uprooted about 57,000 people. Of these, 23,000 were on the Zimbabwean side, with the rest in Zambia. Lawmakers noted that the colonial administration failed to adequately support affected communities, leaving a legacy that still lingers.
“Post-independence, we carry the responsibility to correct past injustices and ensure that no Zimbabwean is left behind in the name of development,” Matema said.
He called for comprehensive legislation to address both climate-induced and development-induced displacement, including “soft landing” measures to ease the transition for affected communities through proper housing, livelihood support and access to social services.
Also speaking at the event, Amnesty International campaigns coordinator Roselina Muzerengi said the Kampala Convention provides a strong framework for preventing displacement, protecting affected populations and securing lasting solutions.
She noted, however, that the effectiveness of the treaty depends on its implementation at the national level.
“This engagement is not just about information sharing, it is about building shared understanding, identifying practical pathways for domestication and implementation, and strengthening collaboration,” said Muzerengi.
Muzerengi reaffirmed Amnesty International’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in advancing policies that promote human rights and climate justice, expressing hope that the engagement would lead to concrete steps to protect the most vulnerable communities.
-Ñew Ziana
