ZLHR takes Mnangagwa to Court Over PVO Act
EMBATTLED: President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has filed a landmark application at the High Court, seeking to have several provisions of the amended Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act declared unconstitutional.
The organisation argues that the law infringes on fundamental freedoms and criminalises the work of non-governmental organisations. ZLHR contends that the PVO Act imposes unconstitutional overregulation and criminalisation of development, human rights, and charitable work, violating rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
The application cites infringements on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, as well as rights to administrative justice, property, and a fair hearing. ZLHR is challenging several sections of the Act, including those granting the Minister excessive control over PVOs and allowing suspension of entire PVO executive committees.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the future of civic space in Zimbabwe and the operations of hundreds of humanitarian and rights-based organisations.
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