Zimbabwe is set to present a strong case at a high-level United Nations conference in Geneva, Switzerland, demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions imposed by Western nations. The two-day Conference on Sanctions, Business, and Human Rights begins this Thursday and is co-organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures, Professor Alena Douhan, alongside the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter.
Led by Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwe’s delegation will outline the detrimental effects of the sanctions, which have hampered the country’s economic growth for over two decades. The sanctions, primarily imposed under the U.S. Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA), have been criticized for restricting access to essential services and undermining human rights.
Minister Ziyambi argued that the sanctions, though portrayed as “targeted,” have had widespread consequences.
“They have significantly impacted business, agriculture, and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens,” he said. “We’ve been unable to access credit lines, mechanize agriculture, or advance industrial development, all of which have affected the poorest in our society. These sanctions need to be removed for Zimbabwe to realize its full potential.”
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Nesbert Samasuwo, expressed optimism about garnering international support for the appeal.
“We are working with the United Nations and other nations to call for the lifting of these sanctions, which have had severe consequences on our economy and human rights,” Samasuwo stated.
The conference aims to bring together governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to address the legal and economic complexities of unilateral sanctions and their impact on human rights. The discussions will focus on reducing over-compliance, ensuring accountability under international law, and fostering economic opportunities in sanctioned environments.
Zimbabwe hopes the forum will rally global backing for its push to end the sanctions, which it describes as a significant barrier to national development and the well-being of its citizens.
