From June 12-14, 2024, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law strengthened its ties and explored new opportunities for cooperation in Zimbabwe through a series of strategic visits and agreements. The RWI team, led by Executive Director Peter Lundberg and Deputy Executive Director Rolf Ring, engaged with key local and international partners to promote and protect human rights in the country.
During their visit, RWI signed a significant new agreement with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for the Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2024-2026. Peter Lundberg exchanged copies of the agreement with Peeter Kaaman, Acting Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, expressing gratitude for Sweden’s continued support. This programme aims to build on the achievements of the 2019-2023 programme by deepening partnerships with academic institutions, independent commissions, and justice sector institutions to more effectively promote, protect, and respect human rights.
Lundberg and Ring paid a courtesy call to Jessie Majome, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC). They handed over a collection of human rights literature to support the ZHRC’s documentation centre. Majome expressed gratitude for RWI’s ongoing support in enhancing the Commission’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
The same day, the RWI team met with Franck Porte, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe. They discussed opportunities for broadened cooperation between RWI and the EU in alignment with their strategic priorities, particularly in supporting the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Lundberg visited the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Harare, meeting with Edward Kallon. They discussed their priority areas for promoting human rights in Zimbabwe and explored potential areas of cooperation, including supporting human rights institutions in contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16.
RWI also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) on June 14, aimed at enhancing cooperation to address human rights and gender equality issues. Activities under this MoU will include staff training, support for research and outreach, and contributions to the ZGC library. ZGC Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe expressed gratitude for RWI’s support in promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe.
Additionally, Lundberg met with Moses Chihobvu, Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), on June 14.
They confirmed RWI’s continued support to integrate international prison standards within ZPCS, including establishing relevant systems and structures and enhancing internal training capacity. A collection of literature on human rights and prisons was also handed over to the ZPCS staff college library.