By Cecilia Dzvairo
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) Masvingo recently hosted a Dialogue meeting between the Church represented by the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) comprising of ZCBC, UDACIZA, EFZ, ZCC and the Security Sector on enhancing the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe. The engagement was held at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Masvingo.
Guided by Matthew 5:9 which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God”, the Church and the Security Sector discussed ways in which the security sector could effectively execute their constitutional responsibilities without undermining citizens’ fundamental rights.
Section 44 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that the state and every person, including juristic persons, and every institution and agency of the government at every level must respect, protect, promote and fulfill the rights and freedoms of every person.
CCJPZ National Coordinator Paul Muchena in his speech said that human security elements are key to the survival of any nation and these elements are the prerogative of the state security. According to a research by Bangidza (2016), a society that has confidence in its security sector is highly motivated and hence can transform confidence into development.
He also emphasized on the improvement of the security sector for the public’s happiness. “Ideally Security sector should be enhanced and improved for the citizen’s happiness. Once this is guaranteed, Security Sector and Human Sector linkages become an integrated process of self-consciousness.”
The security sector should create a peaceful environment for investment, productivity and economic growth in Zimbabwe as one of its attributes.
Mr. Muchena again said, the church expects the security sector’s roles and functions to enhance and provide basic human rights to ensure that national cohesion and peaceful co-existence is maintained.
CPLO National Coordinator Fr. E. Ndete also had a vibrant interactive session where he educated those present on the importance of the law and awareness on the mandate and conduct of the security sector.
The event was not left without some laughter from Abel Mahuchi with his educational poems which left people in stitches.