Section 242: Establishment and composition of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) There is a commission to be known as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission consisting ofโ
(a) a chairperson appointed by the President after consultation with the Judicial Service
Commission and the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders; and
(b) eight other members appointed by the President from a list of not fewer than twelve
nominees submitted by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.
(2) The chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission must be a person who has been qualified for at least seven years to practise as a legal practitioner in Zimbabwe.
(3) If the appointment of a chairperson to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission is not consistent with a recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, the President must cause the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders to be informed as soon as practicable.
(4) Members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission must be chosen for their integrity and their knowledge and understanding of, and experience in, the promotion of human rights.
Key Insight: Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
This section establishes a crucial checks and balances mechanism in Zimbabwe's governance system. The Commission's structure reflects a deliberate design to ensure independence through a multi-stakeholder appointment process involving both the President and legislative oversight. The requirement for specific qualifications (legal background for the chairperson and human rights expertise for all members) aims to ensure the Commission has the necessary competence to effectively protect citizens' rights. This represents Zimbabwe's institutional commitment to human rights protection within its constitutional framework.