Devolution activists say centralisation fuels corruption and human rights violations

The devolution activist have said that centralisation of power has promoted human rights violations and corruption in the country hence they called for a devolve system of government.

In a statement as they celebrated the international human rights day, they said "we join the world in recognizing the United Nations International Human Rights Day under the theme Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always."

They said to them as Team Devolution, this is an important day to remind themselves, the leaders and government, that the main cause of human rights violations in Zimbabwe is the centralized system of government.

"The centralized system of government promotes centralized policies, programmes and decisions and this affects development and human rights promotion and protection in those areas away from the centre," reads the statement.

"What causes us the people and communities to have few schools, walk long distances to clinics, not be employed, have poor roads, silted dams and dysfunctional boreholes is not lack of resources BUT it is the centralized system of government. What causes our traditional leaders, councilors, Members of Parliament, Ministers and heads of companies to be away from us and not listen to us is the centralized government."

They said this is therefore why Zimbabweans are openly and strongly calling for a devolved system of government as outlined in the Constitution to replace this centralized system.

"Devolution of Power will give us an opportunity to use our local resources to plan and manage our development thus fulfilling and enjoying our rights, our freedoms, always! Devolution will give us the power to form laws and policies that ensure the protection and promotion of our human rights always," reads the statement.

"Devolution will allow us the space and opportunity to develop systems and mechanisms of dealing with all forms of human rights violations. Devolution will enable us to plan, budget and implement those programmes and measures that ensure that everyone  women, men, youths, children, the disabled, widows, orphans, the elderly, the unemployed, the rural and the urban enjoy their rights and their freedoms always!"

The activists said there is no way they can have freedom without having devolution of power!

"We urge all human rights defenders, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and all of us human beings to join us now to remind government and parliament of Zimbabwe to abide by the Constitution and bring devolution NOW, so that we all enjoy Our devolution, our rights, our freedoms, always," reads the statement.