The Zimbabwe parliament is actively advocating for the signing and ratification of the African Union (AU) Protocol on Social Security and Social Protection to enhance Zimbabwe’s social protection programs. During a recent engagement between parliament and various stakeholders, a consensus was reached on the urgent need to ratify this protocol to bolster the nation’s social protection systems.
Dr. Tavengwa Nhongo, Executive Director of the Platform for Social Protection (APSP), highlighted the significance of this move. He pointed out that if Zimbabwe ratifies the protocol, it would be the first African country to do so, setting a historic precedent. Dr. Nhongo emphasized that ratification would provide clear guidelines for aligning national legislation with international standards, thereby significantly improving the country’s social security framework.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Hon. Dorothy Mashonganyika, also acknowledged the importance of ratification. She noted that aligning Zimbabwe’s laws with regional and international norms through this protocol would enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including the disabled, elderly, and less privileged.
The media’s role in promoting the ratification of the AU protocol was also highlighted during the engagement. Mr. Ian Zvoma, News Editor at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, stressed the need for extensive media coverage to raise public awareness about the protocol. He underscored the media’s critical function as a watchdog and its vital role in advocating for social protection measures.
The AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Protection is a comprehensive document aimed at improving social welfare and economic stability across Africa. Adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2022, ratifying this protocol would not only strengthen Zimbabwe’s social protection programs but also align the country with broader regional and international efforts to enhance social security.
SOURCE: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.
The Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP), took part in a high-level consultative meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia, on September 11, 2023, to promote the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security.
The meeting was organized by the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in collaboration with the APSP and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. This brought about key stakeholders from the Social Protection sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in Zambia’s Social Protection systems.
The Protocol, which was adopted by the 54 AU member states aims to legally ensure citizens’ rights to Social Protection and Social Security. This will help AU member states in shaping their Social Protection policies. The COVID-19 pandemic speeded up its adoption, making it crucial for Zambia to focus on its ratification at the national level and collaborating with the government, to support its domestication to create responsive Social Protection systems for all Zambians; with the acknowledgment that around 65% of vulnerable populations are already receiving social protection services.
It was established that, for the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security to make significant progress and for Zambia to be a role model for other AU member states, there was the need for:-
During the consultative meeting, the participants emphasized on the importance of ratifying the AU Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security by the government of Zambia.
The meeting pinpointed several specific actions that needed to be taken, which were stakeholder involvement, policy alignment, evaluation and promotion of active participation to drive the ratification process and establish efficient Social Protection systems for the benefit of the people of Zambia.
It was also agreed that accomplishing this objective necessitates the cooperation of the government, civil society and other stakeholders.
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