ZICC and ZPCS engage to uphold human rights in Correctional Facilities.

The Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission [ZICC] has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency,accountability and human rights within the country's correctional system through an engagement with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service [ZPCS] held at Chikurubi Maximum and Chikurubi Female Prisons this week.

Leading the delegation ZICC Chairperson Justice Chinamora emphasized that the Commision's role is not adversarial but one of constructive engagement designed to enhance the integrity of correctional institutions and protect the rights of those deprived of liberty.

'Our objective is not to police institutions but to partner with them, ZICC and ZPCS share a common goal to ensure that correctional facilities uphold the principles of dignity ,fairness and justice.Oversight must always be exercised in a manner that strengthens institutions and builds trust,'said Chinamora.

Justice Chinamora commended ZPCS for its openness to scrutiny and collaboration noting that this approach was essential to mantaining credibility and public confidence in the justice system. 'We applaud the Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Services for demonstrating transparency and willingness to engage. It takes strong leadership to open instituional doors to independent oversight and such gestures mark a major step torward humane correctional system, 'he said. The visit themed ''Consensus Builing,Awareness Raising and Cell Inspection Programme'' underscored the growing partnership between ZICC and ZPCS in building a humane transparent and accountable correctional enviroment.

Commissioner-General Dr. Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu expessed appreciation for the Commission's efforts and reiterated ZPCS's commitment to transparency and reform. 'This partnership with ZICC reinforces our mission of rehabilitation and reformation, as ZPCS we are committed to treating all persons in our care with dignity and respect while ensuring that the correctional enviroment remains secure ,accountable and humane,'he said.

Justice Chinamora concluded the visit by encouraging continued collaborations between the two instutions. Accountability is not about punishment it is about progress, together ZICC and ZPCS can build a correctional framework that reflects the value and true commitment to rehabilitation.