By Ashley Muza, Junior Programme Officer
In June 2026, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) in collaboration with academic partners, Africa University, Great Zimbabwe University Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University convened a conference on the theme “Strengthening Access to Justice in Zimbabwe through Law Clinics and Collaborations”. The conference brought together key stakeholders in access to justice and legal education, including the Legal Aid Directorate, Law Society of Zimbabwe, Council for Legal Education, independent commissions and CSOs like the Legal Resources Foundation, Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers. The event followed a two-day clinical legal education workshop for law clinicians from the partner universities, providing an opportunity to strengthen collaboration.
In her opening remarks, Ms Frida Gunarsson Second Secretary, Head of Political and Commercial Section at the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe underscored the critical role of Clinical Legal Education, stakeholder collaboration, and law clinics in expanding access to justice and responding to the growing legal needs of communities across Zimbabwe. The keynote address was delivered by Ms Sandra Moyo, from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) who noted that the demand for legal assistance far exceeds the capacity of formal institutions. Drawing on the Commission’s experience, she highlighted the wide range of issues for which citizens approach the Commission including children’s rights, labour disputes, access to education, environmental concerns, business and human rights violations, administrative injustice, and discrimination. Ms Moyo emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration on access to justice issues, together with the law clinics to advance national development.
“By investing in clinical legal education, we invest in human rights. By investing in human rights, we strengthen governance. By strengthening governance, we advance national development. That is why Clinical Legal Education matters. That is why Access to Justice matters. And that is why both are indispensable to Zimbabwe’s development journey.” Ms Sandra Moyo, Deputy Director: Complaints Handling and Investigations-ZHRC
Stakeholders from key justice sector institutions highlighted the value of stronger collaboration with university law clinics to expand access to justice across Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) emphasized the role of law clinics in bridging legal education and community service, while the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), and Legal Aid Directorate (LAD) identified opportunities for deeper partnerships on issues including gender equality, environmental justice, community engagement, and the decentralisation of legal aid services. The Zimbabwe University Law Clinics Association (ZULCA) also showcased the impact of the five university law clinics and reiterated its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen access to justice and community outreach initiatives nationwide.
The CLE Conference was held under RWI’s Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2024-2026 with financial support from the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe.
Learn more about our work in Zimbabwe here.