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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The constitutional recognition and popular enjoyment of human rights in Zimbabwe |
Author: | Ncube, W. |
Year: | 1987 |
Periodical: | The Zimbabwe Law Review |
Volume: | 5 |
Pages: | 54-94 |
Language: | English |
Notes: | biblio. refs. |
Geographic terms: | Zimbabwe Southern Africa |
Subjects: | human rights law constitutional law political systems |
Abstract: | After discussing the concept of human rights in historical perspective in order to underline the fact that human rights are not inherent in man but invariably arise out of social and political struggle, the author outlines the content and practical enjoyment of human rights under capitalism and under socialism as an illustration of the historically determined class nature of human rights. The internationalization of the demand for human rights, particularly in the post World War II period, has made it unsafe for any regime openly to reject the principle of protecting human rights. However, the economic and political conditions in African countries, dominated by imperialism, negate the recognition, enforcement and enjoyment of human rights. Zimbabwe is no exception. Like her predecessor, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe has been characterized by an undemocratic and brutal legal culture which is totally inconsistent with the full realization and enjoyment of human rights. This is exemplified by the Law and Order Maintenance Act Chapter, and the Emergency Powers (Maintenance of Law and Order) Regulations under which thousands of people have been detained without trial. Moreover, without the achievement of socioeconomic rights, the civil and political rights enshrined in the Lancaster House Independence Constitution remain a dead letter for the mass of the people. Notes, ref. |