About the HRI Work by Regions  ICC   Media  Publications

Since February 2002, the HRI has been involved in ongoing work in Zimbabwe in support of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

In 2002, the IBA sent three legal specialists to Zimbabwe to work with the Law Society (LSZ). Activities included organising training, developing a website, coordinating a workshop on UN Mechanisms and the African Commission and training in ethics, office management, human rights and trust management. The HRI supported the Law Society in organising a Strategic Review held in August 2004 and is currently assisting with a follow-up seminar to design a programme of action based on the findings of the review.

The IBA continues to empower the LSZ to take the leadership role on issues of rule of law and independence of the profession. The IBA also supports the LSZ’s CLE programme by sending experts to participate in training sessions on human rights, combating torture, independence of the judiciary and other human rights related topics. Trial observers are sent by the IBA to hearings in Zimbabwe in an effort to support the legal profession in maintaining its independence and upholding fair trial standards.  The IBAHRI sent observers to the trails of advocates Innocent Chagonda and Harrison Nkomo throughout April, May and June 2008, thanks to funding from the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA). 

The IBA continues to maintain a vigilant watch over Zimbabwe and intervenes regularly on behalf of lawyers and judges who have been attacked or threatened as a result of carrying out their duties. Further information on the IBA's work in Zimbabwe can be obtained by clicking on the links below.