Civil Society Honors Zimbabwe Prime Minister Tsvangirai for Championing Human Rights
The groups say Tsvangirai is an exemplary leader who wants to see a just society.
Also honored was National Constitutional Assembly chairman Lovemore Madhuku as well as prominent human rights advocates, Beatrice Mtetwa and Alec Muchadehama for standing up against rights abuses. A coalition of civil society groups in Zimbabwe has honored Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for championing human rights and democracy. Mr. Tsvangirai was presented with an award in Harare Tuesday at the launch of the Peace Building and Transitional Justice initiative by groups including the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. They also honored National Constitutional Assembly chairman Lovemore Madhuku as well as prominent human rights advocates, Beatrice Mtetwa and Alec Muchadehama for defending human rights and fighting for a just society. Tsvangirai did not attend the ceremony but his award was received on his behalf by his Movement for Democratic Change party's Women Assembly chairperson, Theresa Makoni. There was no monetary value attached to the awards. Speaking at the ceremony, guest of honor and Deputy Prime Minister, Thokozani Khupe, praised the winners for their sterling and consistent devotion to the upholding of human rights, democracy, justice and peace in Zimbabwe. Khupe said government had the responsibility of ensuring that people's rights are respected and preserved, adding; "It is the government's duty to protect rights of all citizens." Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe director Philip Pasirayi, however, said civil society was dissapointed with the unity government for failing to address past and ongoing injustices in the country. The Peace Building and Transition Justice seeks to rehabilitate victims of political violence and perpetrators alike as well fostering peace, officials said.