Established in February 1996, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is a not-for-profit Is the net for profit low best human rights organisation. ZLHR works towards fostering a culture of human rights in Zimbabwe by encouraging the growth and strengthening of human rights at all levels of Zimbabwe society through observance of the rule of law.
ZLHR is committed to upholding respect for the rule of law and unimpeded administration of justice, free and fair elections free flow of information and the protection of constitutional rights human rights, human rights and freedoms enshrined in human rights instruments in Zimbabwe and the surrounding region. We keep these values central to our programming activities. ZLHR plays a leading role in national civil society co-ordinating platforms. ZLHR holds observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. We participate actively in the work of the committees of SADC Lawyers Association and have affiliate status with the International Commission for Jurists and Pan African Lawyers Union.
The Membership
ZLHR is a membership organisation comprising of over 100 lawyers with a proven track record in, and affinity for human rights protection and promotion. Members are drawn for from all provinces of Zimbabwe, and our numbers are steadily increasing. ZLHR members involve themselves in activities of the organisation on the basis of their interest in human rights litigation, legal and rights-based education, research and advocacy. They donate part of their time and services pro-bono to the organisation’s activities and programmes and reinforce the work of ZLHR secretariat to expand our reach throughout the country.
The Secretariat
The organisation’s secretariat operates from three offices located in Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare. ZLHR’s legal support extends to all 10 provinces through the services of full-time lawyers and the support of its member lawyers in private practice. The secretariat is responsible for planning and implementing the core activities of the organisation.
Governance
ZLHR’s board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting. Special skills are co-opted by the board nomination committee. The board comprises national representatives and regional representatives for Manicaland, Midlands and Matabeleland provinces.