ZHRC to launch national documents inquiry

 Zwnews.com

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) in collaboration with the relevant government ministries will in the near future be launching public hearings soon to look into the factors affecting the issuance national identity documents in Zimbabwe.

The Commission has since called for public submission of contributions be it in written form, photos, or videos highlighting areas of concern, and suggestions.

The ZHRC says since its inception in 2014, it has noted with concern problems associated with accessing national identity documents as some of the basic human rights challenges dogging the country.

The Commission says in mapping out a way forward it will be launching a national inquiry to look into the challenges in accessing national documentation including birth certificates, national identity cards, passports, and death certificates.

The inquiry will also look into root cause and factors affecting the ease of accessing such documentation, the extent of the effects, the effectiveness of existing laws, policies, institutions and analyze associated attitudes and beliefs.

At the end, ZHRC would compile a report, and recommendations in addressing the identified barriers.

Apparently, the matter also propped up in the National Assembly recently with a number of parliamentarians expressing concern and dismay over the government’s failure to ensure that accessing national documentation is not a hustle.

Some members of parliament told the house that a number of citizens do not have the required documents, and calls were for the government to decentralize the processes involved.