Enhancing protection of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Zimbabwe : Should Zimbabwe ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Incorporate Socio-Economic Rights in its Constitution?

Abstract

Zimbabwe has been wrought by a vast array of challenges including a continuous retrogression of socio-economic conditions including massive evictions, the collapse of the health system and a deterioration of the education sector. Considering Zimbabwe ratified the ICESCR in 1991 this paper will attempt to determine whether Zimbabwe has put sufficient mechanisms to ensure realization of its obligations under the Covenant. Assuming the measures are not sufficient and aware that the constitution does not provide for such rights, this paper will also assess if Zimbabwe should include economic, social and cultural rights in its constitution and ratify the OP-ICESCR whilst assess what opportunities and challenges this might raise.