Zimbabwe: Joint Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review Raises Serious Concerns for Judicial Independence, the Legal Profession and the Rule of Law
The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC), together with Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L), the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), and the Law Society of England and Wales, has submitted a joint report to the United Nations Human Rights Council ahead of Zimbabwe’s fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR), scheduled for January-February 2027.
Drawing on interviews with Zimbabwean lawyers and extensive legal research, the submission documents a worsening environment for the legal profession and serious concerns regarding judicial independence, access to justice, and the protection of human rights defenders. The organisations conclude that Zimbabwe has failed to meaningfully implement recommendations it accepted during its previous UPR review in 2022 relating to judicial independence and the protection of civil society actors and human rights defenders.
The report highlights a range of developments that have undermined the rule of law in Zimbabwe, including constitutional amendments that have increased executive influence over judicial appointments, reports of intimidation directed at judges and lawyers, and legislation that restricts civic space and the independence of the legal profession. The submission also documents barriers faced by lawyers in carrying out their professional duties, including difficulties accessing detained clients and court records, interference with lawyer-client confidentiality, and the use of arrests, threats and prosecutions against lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases.
The organisations express particular concern regarding Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3), which further expands presidential control over judicial appointments while reducing transparency and public participation in the process. The report argues that these developments risk further eroding public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
The submission also records a pattern of attacks, intimidation and harassment directed at lawyers representing human rights defenders, journalists, political activists and other government critics. Several incidents outlined in the report demonstrate an increasingly hostile environment for lawyers seeking to uphold fundamental rights and challenge abuses of power. According to the organisations, the failure to conduct effective investigations or hold perpetrators accountable has contributed to a climate of impunity.
“Lawyers play a vital role in defending human rights, safeguarding fair trial rights and ensuring access to justice. When lawyers are threatened, attacked or prevented from carrying out their professional duties independently, the rule of law itself is placed at risk. The findings detailed in this submission demonstrate the urgent need for Zimbabwe to take meaningful steps to protect the independence of the legal profession and judiciary.”- Michael J Ivers KC, Chair of BHRC and Barrister at Garden Court Chambers
The organisations have called on Zimbabwe to implement a series of reforms, including:
- Strengthening the independence, transparency and accountability of judicial appointments;
- Protecting lawyers from intimidation, harassment and improper interference;
- Ensuring prompt and confidential access between lawyers and their clients;
- Repealing or amending laws that unduly restrict civic space and the independence of the legal profession;
- Investigating all attacks and threats against legal practitioners and bringing those responsible to justice; and
- Bringing domestic law and practice into line with international human rights standards and the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
The organisations urge UN Member States to closely scrutinise Zimbabwe’s record during the forthcoming UPR process and to make strong recommendations aimed at safeguarding judicial independence, protecting lawyers, and strengthening the rule of law.
Notes to editors
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a peer-review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council through which the human rights records of all UN Member States are reviewed approximately every four and a half years. Zimbabwe’s fourth-cycle review is scheduled to take place during the 54th session of the UPR Working Group in January-February 2027.
The joint submission can be access here [Joint submission UPR Zimbabwe – final] and was prepared by:
- Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
- Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L)
- International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)
- Law Society of England and Wales
- Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC)
