Celebrating 30 Years Β· 1996–2026
Defending Rights Since 1996

The law, in the hands of the people it must protect.

Explore Our Work About ZLHR
Priority Β· Civic Space
Defending the right to protest and assemble freely
Active litigation Β· 12 cases before the courts
Priority Β· Defenders at Risk
Emergency legal support for arrested HRDs & journalists
24-hour rapid response Β· nationwide
Priority Β· Constitutional Reform
Monitoring amendments that threaten the Bill of Rights
Public hearings Β· legal observers deployed
5,200+
Cases handled since 1996
300+
Lawyer members nationwide
48
Landmark court victories
3
Offices nationwide

Three decades defending the rights of Zimbabweans

Since 1996, ZLHR has stood between ordinary people and the abuse of power. As we mark our 30th anniversary, we honour the defenders, the clients, and the lawyers who built this movement, and we look to the next thirty years.

Our 30-Year Story Anniversary Events β†’
1996
ZLHR is founded by a group of lawyers committed to defending human rights and the rule of law.
2008
Rapid-response defence scales nationwide during a period of mass arrests of activists.
2013
Constitutional victory: ZLHR helps shape and defend the new Bill of Rights.
2026
30th anniversary: 5,200+ cases later, the work continues.
What We Do

Our work, clustered around the rights we defend

We organise our litigation, advocacy and research around the themes that matter most to Zimbabweans, not by legal function, but by the human rights at stake.

Constitutional Justice and the Rule of Law Programme

Constitutional Justice and the Rule of Law

Protecting constitutional rights and challenging unlawful exercises of public power through strategic legal action.

Protest rights Media freedom Elections
Explore this cluster β†’
Civic Freedoms and Democratic Participation Programme

Civic Freedoms and Democratic Participation

Protecting the ability of people, communities and organisations to organise, speak, protest and participate freely in public life.

Rapid response Bail & defence Safety
Explore this cluster β†’
Access to Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme

Access to Justice and Legal Empowerment

Bringing legal services closer to communities and strengthening people's ability to understand, claim and enforce their rights

Pre-trial rights Prison conditions
Explore this cluster β†’
Accountability and Law Reform Programme

Accountability and Law Reform

Using law, evidence and advocacy to improve legislation, public policy and the accountability of state institutions.

Explore this cluster β†’
Climate Justice and Corporate Accountability Programme

Climate Justice and Corporate Accountability

Protecting communities and advancing accountability where environmental harm, extractive activity and business operations affect human rights.

Explore this cluster β†’
Add image Programme

Digital Rights

Protecting people and communities from rights violations arising from the use of digital technologies, data and online platforms.

Explore this cluster β†’
Human Rights Defenders

The people behind the cases

Behind every case is a person who refused to stay silent. We stand with the defenders who risk everything to protect the rights of others.

Released
Gwenzi Chere & Kwekweza
Released
Faith Zaba
Short description of violation
Released
Felix Mafondokoto
Chitungwiza resident Felix Mafondokoto used money paid as compensation for violation of his rights to purchase…

Every defender profiled here was represented by ZLHR. With consent, we tell their stories so the world cannot look away.

Meet All Defenders β†’
Stories of Justice

Law is human. So are the people it protects.

Every judgment is someone’s life changed. These are the stories behind our legal work, told with the dignity they deserve.

August 24, 2026

Between Principle and Practice: Participatory Constitutionalism and Judicial Restraint in Fuza and Wakurawarehwa v Parliament of Zimbabwe

By Arnold Tsunga and Bongani Ngwenya Abstract The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe’s decision in Passionate Fuza and Jonah Wakurawarehwa v Parliament of Zimbabwe marks a significant moment in the development of participatory constitutionalism under the Constitution…
August 24, 2026

THE RIGHT TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES: A CONSTITUTIONAL OBLIGATION
Support Our Work

Stand With Those Who Defend Rights

For thirty years, ZLHR has stood between ordinary people and the abuse of power, providing legal defence when it matters most. Your support keeps that work going, in the courtroom and in communities across Zimbabwe.

ZLHR is a registered Private Voluntary Organisation. Every contribution, large or small, helps protect the rights of Zimbabweans.

Bank Transfer

Account Name: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Bank: [Bank name]
Branch: [Branch]
USD Account: [Account number]
Swift: [Swift code]

Mobile Money

EcoCash: [Merchant / number]
Name: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

From Outside Zimbabwe

International supporters can give in a tax-efficient way through a partner foundation. Contact us at info@zlhr.org for details on giving from outside Zimbabwe.

Publications & Resources

Knowledge that defends rights

Analysis

Litigating For Conservation A ZLHR Case Analysis Of Wetland And Vital Water Sources Protection In Zimbabwe.pdf

October 29, 2026↓ PDF
 Position Papers & Policy Briefs

Digital Rights in Zimbabwe Stakeholder Submission to the Fourth Cycle Universal Periodic Review 54th Session of UPR Working Group

October 29, 2026↓ PDF
 Newsletters

Legal Monitor – Environmental Rights Edition

October 13, 2026↓ PDF
 Judgements

Allan Norman Markham Vs The President Of The Republic Of Zimbabwe And Attorney General

September 10, 2026↓ PDF
 Fact Sheets

Simplified Analysis of Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No.3), 2026

August 19, 2026↓ PDF
 Annual Reports

ZLHR Annual Report 2014

August 12, 2026↓ PDF
 Publications

Shadowing the Outreach Process November 2010

June 20, 2026↓ PDF
Browse Full Library β†’
Latest News

Press Statements & Alerts

View All β†’
Press Statements
August 29, 2026

End Enforced Disappearances in Africa Now

27.08.2020 – Ahead of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on 30 August, an NGO coalition is calling on…

Read more β†’
Press Statements
August 14, 2026

Kariba Ferry Tragedy: ZLHR calls for transaprent probeand accountability

Read more β†’
Press Statements
August 12, 2026

Judge Frowns Upon Magistrate’s Ill-Treatment of Mbedzi, Labels It A β€œGrave Misdirection”

THE High Court has criticised the decision of a junior judicial officer, who denied bail to a Beitbridge resident, as a grave…

Read more β†’
Press Statements
August 7, 2026

ZIM Authorities Ramp-Up Crackdown on Dissent, as ZRP Effects Tik-Tok-Related Arrest Over Anti-Govt Protests

FOUR villagers are currently detained in prison after they were arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers and charged for allegedly recording…

Read more β†’
Press Statements
August 6, 2026

Muchinguri Faces Jail for Reneging on Compensating Brutal Army Shooting Victim

DEFENCE Minister Hon. Oppah Muchinguri is facing the possibility of spending six months in jail after she wilfully defied a High Court order, where…

Read more β†’
Press Statements
July 28, 2026

Sewage Nightmare: Residents Sue Chitungwiza Municipality over Perennial Sewage Pollution

RESIDENTS in Chitungwiza have taken legal action by suing their local authority over the perennial sewage crisis and demanding implementation of a…

Read more β†’
Find Us

Reach ZLHR across Zimbabwe

National (24-Hour)
0772 257 247
Matabeleland / Midlands
0773 855 635
Manicaland / Masvingo
0773 855 718
Legal Assistance