Staff Reporter
United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur, Professor Alena Douhan’s final report on the negative impact of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States (US) Government and its allies, has received unanimous endorsement from participating nations at the UN Human Rights Council 51st session in Geneva, Switzerland.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana said the presentation of Special Rapporteur’s Final Report on Zimbabwe sanctions to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland has received unanimous endorsement globally with an increase on the number of European countries endorsing it.
“The Special Rapporteur’s Report received unanimous endorsement from participating nations from all over the world with strong statements from European countries, the Middle East, Far East Africa and South America. The notable exception was the EU,” said Mangwana.
Prof Douhan is in Geneva presenting a final report on the findings of the effects of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its allies. The Special Rapporteur’s report was compiled after thorough consultations with a wide range of interlocutors in Zimbabwe.
Findings in the report were that the illegal sanctions have brought about a rise in unemployment especially among qualified professionals such as doctors, teachers and university professors. Sanctions have also prevented Government from using resources to develop and maintain essential infrastructure, disaster response plans and social support programmes which have devastating effects on the population of Zimbabwe.
Other effects she highlighted in her report include the loss of revenue amounting to US$42 billion between 2001 and 2019 during this period more than 50% of Zimbabweans were slumped into poverty.
Prof Douhan further highlighted that during her visit to Zimbabwe, some None Governmental Organisations (NGOs) declined to meet her for fear of losing international donations.
Political commentator, Dr Patrick Manyemwe expressed optimism and implored the Zimbabwe Government to continue engaging and re-engaging the rest of the world especially after such responses at UN Geneva, Switzerland.
