UN Special Rapporteur vindicates ZANU PF sanctions fight

by | Oct 28, 2021 | Local News, Politics | 0 comments

Hosia Mviringi

President Mnangagwa has paid homage to the United Nations Special Rapporteur to Zimbabwe, Ms Alena Douhan.

Speaking yesterday while addressing the ruling Party’s Central Committee ahead of the 19th People’s National Conference to be held in Bindura over the weekend, President Mnangagwa said; “Our country received Ms Alena Douhan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on the Enjoyment of Human Rights.

Her visit came at the most opportune time as it coincided with the commemoration of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day.”

President Mnangagwa said Ms Douhan`s visit gave the United Nations a chance to understand for themselves the circumstances brought upon Zimbabweans by the illegal sanctions.

“Following her assessment of the realities of the impact of sanctions on our people, we welcome her unequivocal call for ‘the lifting of Unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe and her call for dialogue,” said President Mnangagwa.

Ms Douhan was undertaking a special United Nations Assignment to ascertain the extent to which US Unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe have impacted on the people of Zimbabwe in relation to enjoyment of basic Human Rights.

She wound up her ten day visit to Zimbabwe today October 28 2021 after undertaking extensive consultations with various sectors of the Zimbabwean society that include government officials, opposition parties and civic society bodies.

Ms Douhan`s preliminary findings bring deserved vindication for Zimbabwean authorities who have for decades been trying to explain the difficulties brought by sanctions.

Her visit could not have come at a more opportune time as she had a chance to experience first hand how Zimbabweans and SADC member states felt about sanctions.

The people’s attitude towards sanctions was on display throughout her stay in Zimbabwe as the country held commemorative activities leading up to the October 25  SADC Anti-sanctions day.

The reality about sanctions is that they affect the most vulnerable members of society most of whom have nothing to do with governance.

In her preliminary statement at the end of her tour of duty, Ms Douhan made a strong statement demanding that the US take action immediately to lift the debilitating sanctions.