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Zimbabwe: Routes to progress
Commonwealth Organisations Committee on Zimbabwe (COCZ)
October 01, 2011

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Summary

The Commonwealth Organisations Committee on Zimbabwe (COCZ), now in its third year, works through its member organisations and relevant Zimbabwe counterparts to facilitate regular democratic, economic, social and technical improvements within the country. As outlined in this report, progress has been made in economic and technical areas. However, the Committee notes with concern the lack of progress with constitutional reform,which is the essential prelude to a framework for future elections. As a result, there have been numerous violations of human rights which should be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Committee encourages the Commonwealth Secretariat, in co-operation with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to engage with the Government of Zimbabwe to identify those areas in which it can use its expertise to assist with technical and relevant electoral advice to help secure satisfactorily conducted elections, in the context of the Harare Declaration, which could make Zimbabwe's return to the Commonwealth possible.

Introduction

The Commonwealth Organisations Committee on Zimbabwe was founded in London at the outset of the process now known as the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Its purpose was to bring together organisations including, but not exclusively, civil society with a background of work within Zimbabwe, who wished to assist with the rebuilding of the Zimbabwean economy and democratic structures in a climate where a degree of political consensus had been achieved.

On establishment, it was agreed to work in a low key but proactive manner. The first major step forward was a Commonwealth Round Table on Zimbabwe, supported by the Commonwealth Foundation and CORE, South Africa, held in Johannesburg in July 2009, and which brought together interested participants from within Zimbabwe to meet with participants in COCZ. The event attracted representatives from a wide range of organisations working within Zimbabwe, members of the Zimbabwe Diaspora from other parts of Africa and wider afield, and persons active in all of Zimbabwe's main political parties. Dialogue throughout was conducted in a constructive manner, despite recognition of individual differences. A report was issued at the end of the meeting, which identified areas where constructive activity, encouraged by Commonwealth Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Commonwealth associated agencies, might prove helpful.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Trinidad in November 2009, it was stated in paragraph 21 of the Communiqué that 'Heads of Government welcomed the Global Political Agreement on power-sharing in Zimbabwe, and expressed the hope that this would be implemented faithfully and effectively. They looked forward to the conditions being created for the return of Zimbabwe to the Commonwealth.' After that CHOGM, COCZ was reconstituted and has since held its meetings at Marlborough House. It has benefited from an interchange with the Secretary-General and his colleagues, has been involved in a number of activities which are reflected in this paper and continues to find ways through which Commonwealth organisations can support their counterparts in Zimbabwe civil society, pending the time when Zimbabwe will hopefully decide to rejoin the Commonwealth.

Zimbabwe has strong traditions of community action. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have played an important part in the struggle for free speech and basic human rights, and the membership list of the Zimbabwe National Association of NGOS (NANGO) is impressive.

Currently they need all the support they can obtain for since the formation of the inclusive government, NGOs have noted a significant drop in the levels of donor funding received.

The increased poverty of many of these organisations makes them more dependent than is desirable on wealthier international counterparts. Such partnerships are valuable and, for many, are the means through which vital programmes are sustained. However, distortions do result from over-reliance on international partners as it creates suspicions in Government and elsewhere that international NGOs are calling the tune. The payment of internationally based salaries by overseas aid organisations and some NGOs inevitably causes conflicts of interest with locally employed staff. There is a need for understanding by international NGOs of the importance of demonstrating that they are sensitive to the need to build capacity within Zimbabwean organisations, many of whom have found themselves competing with one another for a diminishing pool of funds.

Much community action is mobilised through churches and other faith based organisations, but there are also professional organisations, trade unions and other voluntary groups prepared to provide relevant development assistance. Commonwealth organisations are being urged to re-engage with counterparts in Zimbabwe and individual civil society organisations, community and faith-based groups at local level in Commonwealth countries to forge links and exchanges with schools, hospitals, local authorities and other organisations in Zimbabwe.

The Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are an important support mechanism which has provided useful opportunities for those from Zimbabwe who have come to the UK to participate in the scheme. These have been very much appreciated by those involved.

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