As a spin-off of the cross-sectoral Professional Training Programmes, RWI’s Zimbabwe Programme also organises programmes for individual institutions on request. The initiative originated from requests made to RWI by specific institutions that had participated in the cross-sectoral trainings and identified the need to develop their human rights capacity further.
To date, such cooperation has been initiated with Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
RWI has been cooperating with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) since 2018.The cooperation is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ZHRC and RWI on 5 July 2019 and later renewed in 2024. The cooperation is based on a request from ZHRC for tailor-made capacity development aimed at increasing knowledge of international, regional and national standards and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights among Commissioners and secretariat staff. The cooperation also aims at supporting increased visibility of ZHRC’s role and mandate and widen their platform for structured dialogue and joint initiatives with other stakeholders.
Activities conducted since 2018 include human rights training workshops, support to development of training materials and manuals, organisation of multi-stakeholder roundtables, support to studies and community outreach activities and literature support to ZHRC’s resource centre. A key element of the cooperation is peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, meaning that experienced members and former members from other African National Human Rights Institutions have been engaged in most activities.
Human Rights Thematic Training Workshops
RWI conducts training workshops for ZHRC Commissioners and Secretariat aimed at enhancing their capacity to address different thematic human rights areas. The knowledge and skills imparted during thematic training programmes, which according to ZHRC contribute to addressing knowledge gaps within the commission, help improve delivery of human rights reform initiatives and programmes by Commission staff. The increase in knowledge and expertise within the Commission translates into the ZHRC taking the lead in moderating multi-stakeholder roundtables, boosting outreach activities to communities, as well as providing human rights training to other stakeholders.
- National Human Rights Institutions and International and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms (2019)
- Human Rights and Displacement in the Context of Climate Change (2019)
- Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2019)
- Human Rights and the Devolution Process (2021)
- The Nexus Between Human Rights and Corruption (2021).
- the Nexus Between Human Rights and Gender Equality (2023)
- Human Rights Monitoring and Inspections and how to use the developed monitoring and inspections manual (2024)
- Monitoring and Reporting on Regional and International Human Rights Treaties and Charter Based Mechanisms 2024,
- Education, Promotion, Research, and Advocacy (EPRA) work of the Commission and how to use the revised EPRA manual (2024)
- Parliamentary Processes and Monitoring of Bills for Human Rights Compliance (2025)
- Public Institution Client Service Charter Assessments and Local Authorities’ Service Delivery Assessments (2025)
- Technology and Human Rights (2025)
Multi-stakeholder Roundtables
The multi-stakeholder roundtables, led by ZHRC, offer a neutral platform for diverse stakeholders to discuss key human rights issues. These roundtables enable constructive dialogue, information exchange, and access to new networks. They also enhance ZHRC’s visibility and allow the Commission to present the results of its work and gather feedback from key stakeholders. RWI’s support in convening these roundtables strengthens structured dialogue, which ZHRC values as vital to fulfilling its mandate.
ZHRC has conducted the following multi-stakeholder roundtables:
- Human Rights and Emergencies within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic (2020) and follow-up in (2021)
- Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021) and a follow-up in (2022)
- Business and Human Rights (2022)
- Regional Meeting on the Violence against Migrants in the SADC region (2022)
Development, Review, Printing and Dissemination of Human Rights tools/Manuals
RWI supports the development and review of manuals and internal tools, increasing the availability of human rights materials at ZHRC that serve as blueprints for their work. These tools are developed or updated with the aim of creating knowledge repositories to retain expertise within the institution and ensure the sustainability of results. The manuals also serve as resource and reference materials for human rights practitioners in civil society, government institutions, and other stakeholders when conducting human rights training. RWI has supported ZHRC in the development, review, and printing of various internal manuals and tools, including:
- the review of the Education Promotion and Research and Advocacy Manual,
- the development of the Monitoring and Inspection Manual,
- the review of ZHRC’s internal policy on gender equality.
- In addition, re-printing and dissemination of two volumes of ZHRC’s Practitioner’s Training Manuals on Constitutional Rights (Volume 1 and 2).
Studies and Outreach Activities
RWI supports ZHRC in implementing outreach activities that engage communities and raise awareness on key human rights issues, including in marginalised areas of Zimbabwe. These activities also enhance the visibility of the Commission, its role, and its mandate. The inclusion of outreach initiatives has led to significant progress, enabling ZHRC to implement concrete initiatives that have had a greater impact than initially anticipated within the Programme’s scope.
- Commemoration on the Human Rights Day (2022)
- Support to Training Seminars for Recruit Correctional Officers (RCOs) and in-service Officers of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) on Human Rights, Human Rights Based Approaches (HRBAs) and Access to Justice for Prison Inmates (since 2023)
- Pilot study on, ”A Critical Examination by The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) of The Impact of Mining Activities on Environmental and other Human Rights of Mining Communities in Selected Districts in Zimbabwe” (2025)
Literature Support to ZHRC’s Resource Centre
The literature support to the ZHRC resource centres is also key in providing access to up-to-date and relevant human rights publications that can be used in the Commission’s work, such as development of dissemination programmes, teaching and research.
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
RWI has been cooperating with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) since 2020. A Memorandum of Understanding signed between ZACC and RWI on 1st December 2020 governs the cooperation. The cooperation aims at addressing the nexus between corruption and human rights among Commissioners and staff, primarily to explore how anti-corruption and human rights programming could mutually reinforce each other for reduced corruption and increased enjoyment of human rights.
Activities under the cooperation have so far included training workshops, multi-sectoral roundtables, moot court competitions, development of a toolbox on corruption, human rights and gender equality and support to small-scale outreach and research activities implemented by ZACC.
Trainings for ZACC Commissioners and Staff on the Nexus between Corruption and Human rights
RWI has conducted trainings for ZACC Commissioners and Secretariat on the nexus between human rights and corruption, emphasizing a human rights-based approach to combating corruption. Participants gained a better understanding of international, regional, and national standards and mechanisms related to human rights and anti-corruption. The program also strengthened their ability to connect human rights, gender equality, and corruption. In addition, participants were trained in techniques and methodologies to conduct effective in-house training for other staff, supporting institutionalisation of this knowledge within ZACC.
Moot Court Competition on Corruption and Human Rights
In 2021 and 2022, RWI supported a Moot Court Competition on the link between corruption and human rights for Zimbabwean law schools, co-organized with ZACC, Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), and the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ). The competition aimed to deepen understanding of corruption and human rights cases and familiarise students with anti-corruption court procedures. Prior public lectures students were educated on these topics, preparing them for the competition.
Research and Outreach activities
- The research project on Whistleblowing and its impact as a tool in protecting human rights 2022
- An outreach activity on Integration of Anti-Corruption (including Human Rights) Concepts in the Primary & Secondary School Formal Curriculum 2023.
Roundtable on the Nexus Between Corruption and Human Rights (2021)
RWI supported ZACC in collaboration with Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) to conduct roundtables with relevant stakeholders on the nexus between corruption and human rights. Participants included government, justice sector institutions, independent commissions, civil society, research centres, academia, and traditional leaders. The roundtables aimed to strengthen partnerships and identify human rights-based opportunities and cooperation to combat corruption effectively.
ZACC Toolbox on Anti-Corruption, Human Rights and Gender
During 2023/24, RWI supported the development of a manual for ZACC on the link between corruption, human rights, and gender equality to support staff training and integrate these issues across departments. The manual serves as a key internal resource, with a dedicated chapter on their intersection, building ZACC’s knowledge base. In March 2024, a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop was held to train ZACC trainers on using the manual and gather their feedback. The workshop focused on equipping participants with effective training techniques, methodologies, and tools to conduct in-house training for other staff. In 2025, RWI supported a validation seminar with ZHRC, ZGC, and NPAZ to finalise the manual, which could also be used by these institutions given its relevance to their work.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission:
RWI has been cooperating with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) since 2022, initially through joint activities with ZHRC and ZACC. The cooperation expanded in 2023, leading ZGC to request RWI’s support for staff training on human rights and gender equality, and support in acquiring relevant literature on human rights of women and gender equality.
Formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 14 June 2024, the cooperation aims to strengthen the capacity of ZGC to deliver in accordance with its constitutional mandate. The activities include training for Commissioners and staff, development of reference tools and e-modules, support for ZGC documentation centres, and small grants for outreach activities. The cooperation also seeks to enhance ZGC’s visibility and foster structured dialogue and partnerships with other stakeholders.
RWI has conducted the following trainings for ZGC Staff:
Trainings for ZGC on the Nexus Between Human Rights and Gender Equality
In 2023 and 2024 two training activities were conducted for different ZGC staff members on the relationship between human rights and gender equality. The workshops aimed at increasing knowledge and skills among ZGC secretariat staff on the relationship between human rights and gender equality and how to address this relationship in the work of ZGC and operationalising the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act (Chapter 10:31).
Training on the use of the developed Public Education and Research Manuals
In 2024, RWI conducted trainings for ZGC staff on using the Public Education and Research manuals. The Public Education workshop focused on building staff capacity in public education, awareness, and advocacy in line with ZGC’s constitutional mandate. The Human Rights Research workshop aimed to strengthen staff skills in conducting research and developing policy briefs and advocacy papers.
Training on Gender Audit for ZGC Staff
Gender Audits and their importance in promoting gender mainstreaming within institutional structures, systems, and programmes to advance gender equality in Zimbabwe. This improved technical capacity positions ZGC to more effectively lead and support gender audits across government ministries and other public institutions.
Training on the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) and the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules). The training enhanced the capacity of ZGC to address international prison standards in its work of promoting, protecting and advancing human rights and gender equality, including in the areas of research, advisory services, monitoring and training activities
Training on State Party, Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and shadow/parallel reporting enhanced ZGC officers’ understanding of international and regional reporting obligations and gender rights frameworks as well as equipping ZGC officers with knowledge and skills for preparing parallel/shadow reports, which complement the national reports, by providing independent assessments. The training also covered reporting under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with focus on Goal 5.
Development of reference materials/ Manuals
In 2024, RWI supported in development of two ZGC manuals, the Public Education Manual and the Research Manual to enhance availability of human rights and gender equality materials at ZGC. These manuals provide standardised guidance for research and public education, strengthen staff capacity, and support gender mainstreaming across ZGC programmes. They also serve as valuable resources for other independent commissions, government bodies, and civil society organisations working towards gender equality in Zimbabwe. In addition, RWI has conducted trainings for ZGC staff to effectively use the manuals.
Support to Community Outreach Activities
RWI provide support to ZGC’s community outreach programme to raise awareness on ZGC Constitutional Mandate, Human Rights, Gender Equality and Gender Based Violence in Provinces where ZGC has no presence. The outreaches aim to increase the Commission’s visibility and ensure that communities are aware of the Commission’s mandate, functions and services offered including increasing access to information on gender rights, GBV prevention among other gender issues. The outreaches also provide a platform through the helpdesk to receive complaints from the public on gender violations
RWI supported the 2025 ZGC National Gender Forum, under the theme “ZGC @ 10: Reflecting on Achievements and the Future for Gender Equality in Zimbabwe”, which served as a platform for the Commission to reflect on and document its achievements, challenges, and lessons from the past decade. The process culminated in the development of a strategic roadmap outlining ZGC’s priorities and actions for the next ten years to further promote gender equality in Zimbabwe.
Support with literature to the ZGC Documentation Centre
To effectively promote and protect gender equality and women’s rights, the ZGC needs reliable reference materials for studies, reports, and outreach activities. To support this, RWI continues to strengthen the ZGC resource centre by acquiring relevant literature and knowledge products on gender equality and human rights. The use of electronic materials will also be explored to benefit ZGC’s regional offices.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service
RWI has been cooperating with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) since 2019. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ZPCS and RWI on 4 July 2019 and renewed in May 2025. The cooperation was established following a request from ZPCS and is based on an ongoing and successful programme that RWI has been implementing in cooperation with the Kenya Prison Service since 2012. The objective of the cooperation is to strengthen ZPCS’ institutional capacity to implement international prisons standards. Special attention is given to the updated UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Mandela Rules) and the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (The Bangkok Rules)
Activities implemented under the cooperation include human rights leadership trainings, strengthening of ZPCS’s in-house training capacity, support to a curricula review, development of training modules, development of a self-assessment system regarding the implementation of the Mandela Rules and development of regulations in line with the new Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Act [Chapter 7:23]. A peer-to-peer approach, involving international and regional practitioners as trainers, is a key element of the cooperation.
Human Rights Leadership Training for Senior Management of the ZPCS
Human Rights and Leadership Training workshop conducted in 2019, 2022 and 2024 equipped ZPCS senior leaders who are decision markers with knowledge and skills on key human rights issues, focusing on a human rights-based approach to prison management and standardise the international prison standards to the work of ZPCS
Development of the Curriculum and Lesson Plans for Recruit Training Integrating International Prison Standards
The curricula review process initiated in 2020, with the view to integrate international prisons standards into the recruit training. In 2021, the draft curricula was reviewed, finalised and developed lesson plans. The draft curriculum for recruit training and the developed lesson plans provide a valuable resource for ZPCS’s in-house trainings and contribute to further institutionalisation of training on international prison standards.
Human Rights Prison Assessment Training
In 2022, RWI conducted a Human Rights Prison Assessment Training which took place at 3 different ZPCS institutions (Harare Central, Chikurubi Farm and Chikurubi Female Prisons). ZPCS officers were capacitated with the knowledge and skills to assess the prisons as regards compliance with the international prison standards. The training used a self-assessment tool developed by RWI and Kenya Prison Service (KPS). With guidance from RWI experts and KPS peers, participants generated comprehensive reports detailing the findings and recommendations for the officers in charge of selected prisons. The assessment exercise helped identify gaps and anomalies within ZPCS, in relation to the international prison standards and provided cost-effective recommendations for improvement. The follow-up human rights prison assessment conducted in 2023 resulted in the development of a concrete set of draft procedures for the ZPCS Internal Standards Compliance Assessment System, now for consideration by the management of ZPCS. The human rights prison assessment training will be complemented by the development of a self-assessment tool for ZPCS which will serve as a guide for ZPCS to conduct internal inspections. The tool will be key for institutionalisation of compliance with human rights and international prison standards within ZPCS.
Study Visit to the Kenya Prison Service (KPS)
In 2022, RWI facilitated a study visit for a ZPCS delegation to the Kenya Prison Service (KPS), aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices on human rights–based prison management and the practical implementation of international prison standards. The study visit to the KPS enabled ZPCS to review its work based on the experience and knowledge exchange with KPS. Participants expressed that they were confident and well equipped to contribute to reforms towards the realisation of human rights and practical implementation of international prison standards within ZPCS.
Training of Trainers on International Prison Standards
From 2021 to 2024, RWI supported a training of trainers programme for a group of ZPCS training officers from different stations across the country. The participating training officers enhanced their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in conducting interactive and participatory training on international prison standards, aimed at fostering positive changes in attitudes, behaviours, and practices among staff. The officers furthermore gained in-depth knowledge on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups in prison settings, such as women, juveniles, and persons with disabilities. Following peer-reviewed training sessions and practical assessments of participants’ ability to deliver training on international prison standards, aligned with the new Prisons and Corrections Act [Chapter 7:23], participants developed concrete joint action plans to conduct targeted training sessions on the Mandela and Bangkok Rules at their respective stations across the country. The trainings contribute to further dissemination of knowledge to senior and junior officers, promoting a deeper understanding of human rights practices and the practical implementation of international prison standards within ZPCS. In 2025 and 2026, RWI is conducting a training of trainers programme for ZPCS trainers from the staff college and recruit training school who are responsible for conducting internal training for recruits and in-service staff including management. The training aims to enhance the trainers’ capacity to train both new recruits and serving officers.
Development of Parole Regulations
Following the enactment of the new Prisons and Correctional Service Act [Chapter 7:23], RWI is supporting ZPCS in developing a parole system as a non-custodial measure to provide an early release mechanism for reintegration of inmates into society, reduce recidivism and decongestion of prison facilities. The first internal workshop reviewed the provisions of parole in the new Act, highlighting areas for possible amendments and further clarification and identified areas that should be included in the regulations. The follow up multi-stakeholder workshop involving government, justice institutions, academia, and civil society enabled stakeholders to provide input to development of the regulations ensuring alignment with international standards, focusing on key areas such as the composition and functions of the state parole board, training for the parole secretariat, risk assessments for parole, conditions for release on parole, and the monitoring and supervision of parolees. Following the outcomes of the workshops on the development of parole regulations, a Parole Committee was established to draft the parole regulations, integrating key recommendations and insights gathered from diverse stakeholders. Once completed, ZPCS will submit the regulations to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for review before being presented to Cabinet for final approval and adoption.
Literature support to the Staff College
RWI support ZPCS with literature on human rights and administration of criminal justice, with a focus on penitentiary systems. The collection is based at the Staff College in Harare where it is a useful source for teachers and researchers, but also to other staff categories at ZPCS.
Cooperation Among Independent Commissions
RWI is supporting cooperation among independent Commissions in Zimbabwe: ZHRC, ZACC, and ZGC. In 2022, RWI organised a joint seminar to foster cooperation, where the commissions identified key areas for collaboration such as referrals, investigations, outreach, research, training, advocacy, and reporting. In 2023, a follow-up workshop strengthened these partnerships, leading to the development of joint actions with clear targets and timelines focused on human rights, gender equality, and corruption. The commissions appointed focal persons to facilitate communication, track progress, and coordinate efforts across prioritized themes.
Study Tour to Sweden for ZHRC, ZACC, ZGC and ZPCS Representatives.
The objective of the study tour was to provide partners with an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the implementation of human rights with peers in Sweden. Their visit was also an opportunity to strengthen the interaction among the partners, as well as develop strategic plans for their cooperation with RWI in the coming years. During the two weeks in Sweden partners visited institutions that works in line with human rights, gender equality, corruption and corrections.
Policy Dialogue: “Together for Justice: A Hybrid Dialogue on Corruption, Gender and Human Rights in Zimbabwe”.
In 2024, RWI supported a joint initiative by ZHRC, ZGC, and ZACC to host a Policy Dialogue under the theme “Together for Justice: A Hybrid Dialogue on Corruption, Gender and Human Rights in Zimbabwe.” The event gathered representatives from independent commissions, civil society, government, and academia to discuss the links between corruption, human rights, and gender-based violence, while promoting awareness of citizens’ rights and available mechanisms to address these issues.