N AT I O N A L I N Q U I R Y R E P O R T
ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
For Human Dignity
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .................................................................................................................................................. vii
ACRONYMS.................................................................................................................................................... ix
GLOSSARY OF TERMS .................................................................................................................................. xi
PART A: INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL INQUIRY PROCESS ................................................................ 1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Establishment of the National Inquiry and its Terms of Reference ....................................................... 2
1.2
Methodology..................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 2: THE NATIONAL INQUIRY PROCESS.......................................................................................... 5
2.0
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Evidence Gathering............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1
Literature Review (Public Reports and Researches) .................................................................... 5
2.1.2
National and Provincial Stakeholder Consultative and Validation Meetings ......................................
............................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3
Written Witness and Stakeholder Submissions ............................................................................. 8
2.1.4
Oral Submissions from Witnesses and Stakeholders .................................................................. 10
2.1.5
Field Visits to Marginalised Communities by Commissioners ...................................................... 12
2.1.6
Viewing of Video Footage .......................................................................................................... 13
2.1.7
Media Reports........................................................................................................................... 13
2.2
Limitations and Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 13
2.2.1
Time Constraints ....................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2
Resource Constraints ................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.3
Participation of Marginalised Groups .......................................................................................... 14
2.2.4
Modes of Disseminating Information .......................................................................................... 14
2.2.5
Co-operation by the Department of the Registrar General ........................................................... 14
2.2.6
Mobilisation and Inaccessibility of Communities ........................................................................... 15
PART B: KEY FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................ 15
CHAPTER 3: CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING IDENTITY DOCUMENTS ......................................................... 16
3.0
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 16
3.1
Main Challenges in Accessing Documents....................................................................................... 16
3.2
REGISTRATION ISSUES ............................................................................................................... 17
3.2.1
Lack of Knowledge on Registration Requirements for National Documents .....................................
............................................................................................................................................. 17
3.2.2
Procrastination and Negligence by Parents to Register Children ................................................ 18
3.2.3
Inconsistent Information from Department of the Registrar General ............................................ 18
3.2.4
Negative Attitudes and Discriminatory Practices by some RG’s Officers ...................................... 19
3.2.5 Allegations of Corruption .............................................................................................................. 20
3.2.6
Language barriers ..................................................................................................................... 21
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