By ZimRights
Harare – The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) announces a historic milestone in the life of the human rights movement – the official launch of the ZimRights Diaspora Chapter.
This development marks a bold step in strengthening our collective resolve to defend the rights of Zimbabweans, not only at home but across the globe.
This follows our launch of the Rights Beyond Borders Manual at a Rights Beyond Borders Round Table convened on May 26, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa, in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights. At the event attended by multitudes of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, ZimRights officially launched the ZimRights Diaspora Chapter which also constituted its Interim Committee thereafter.
The ZimRights Diaspora Chapter Interim Committee successfully convened its inaugural elective meeting held virtually on Zoom, on July 30, 2025 and elected the leadership of the Committee and the Diaspora Chapter.
The elective meeting was attended by members of the Diaspora Chapter Interim Committee, the ZimRights Elections Committee, the National Chairperson, and the Secretariat to establish a formal leadership structure that aligns with the relevant resolutions of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Key Outcomes
The ZimRights Elections Committee represented by Chairperson Mr. Martin Bongozozo and Ms. Mercy Kandela, administered the election for the Interim Committee leadership positions.
The following leaders were elected to serve on the Interim Committee leadership with a mandate for the next six months:
Chairperson – Blessing Gorejena
Vice Chairperson – Abraham Mateta
Treasurer – Alfred Mugani
Secretary – Dr Lydia Chibwe
Committee member – Liberty Matsive
Committee member – Professor Janet Munakamwe
Committee member – Mabel Sithole.
The above committee now constitutes the 12th region of ZimRights with equal representation across all ZimRights Structures.
The elected leadership affirmed their commitment to advancing the goals outlined in the Pretoria Rights Beyond Borders Consultative Meeting, focusing on grassroots activism and enhancing the voice of Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
We extend our gratitude to all members for their dedication and commitment to ZimRights. The elected leadership of the Diaspora Chapter Interim Committee will play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of Zimbabweans in the diaspora and advocating for human rights globally.