Time is Ripe to Build Confidence in Zimbabwe's Justice Sytstem

29 June 2010

The Bar Council, the Bar Human Rights Committee, the Commonwealth Lawyers' Association and Avocats Sans Frontières today host the Parliamentary launch of a new report on the current state of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

"A Place in the Sun" examines the state of the legal system in the aftermath of the Global Political Agreement of September 2008. It follows an investigative mission to Zimbabwe late last year.

The report concludes that, whilst respect for the rule of law in Zimbabwe has not improved, and has quite possibly worsened, since the formation of the Transitional Government two years ago, there is cause for hope.

It recommends:

  • the end of the culture of impunity on the part of the police and state security forces;
  • a transparently composed and genuinely independent Judicial Services Commission with the power to appoint all judges, magistrates and the Attorney General;
  • ensuring lawyers can practise without harassment or intimidation; and
  • providing indigent defendants in criminal proceedings with free representation by a properly qualified lawyer.

‘A Place in the Sun’ takes its title from the aspiration of the Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP) of March 2009: "STERP should lay the foundation of a basic African State that will find its place in the sun."

Desmond Browne QC, the immediate past Chairman of the Bar Council and a leader of the delegation, said:

"With the eyes of the world now on the Southern African region, this is a critical moment to evaluate the progress of the Zimbabwean Transitional Government in re-establishing the rule of law. From what we saw, we were left in no doubt as to the urgent need to find ways in which the legal profession internationally can support this process.

“The legal infra-structure remains in place, supported by some admirably motivated lawyers and civil society groups. This will surely enable the rule of law to flourish in a more congenial political climate.

“To support the vital work of these groups, the Southern African Development Community and the international community in general must ensure an increase in aid targeted at those bodies promoting the rule of law in Zimbabwe. There is a crying need for both financial and institutional assistance."

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The report will be launched at an event in Parliament on Tuesday 29 June at 11.00 and will be hosted by Lord Steel of Aikwood, and will be addressed by Desmond Browne QC and Mark Muller QC, Chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee.

2. If you would like to attend this event or if you require any further information, please contact the Bar Human Rights Committee’s Project Coordinator, Sally Longworth at: bhrc@compuserve.com or: 020 7993 7755.

3. The Bar Human Rights Committee is an independent body primarily concerned with the protection of the rights of advocates and judges around the world.

4. Please click here for a full report.

5. The General Council of the Bar is the Approved Regulator of the Bar of England and Wales. It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board. It represents the Bar by:

    • Promoting the specialist advocacy and advisory services of barristers;
    • Ensuring access to justice on terms that are fair both to the public and practitioners;
    • Promoting the high quality training and professional development of all barristers to ensure the highest standards of practice and ethical behaviour;
    • Working for the efficient and cost-effective administration of justice;
    • Encouraging access to, and diversity within, the profession so that it is open to all people of ability whatever their background; and
    • Strengthening and developing the work and the values of the Bar at home and abroad.

6. Spokespeople are available to comment on this issue. For more information please contact the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525.