UN urges Mnangagwa to reject PVO bill

Experts from the United Nations (UN) have urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reject the proposed Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bil.

The UN experts said that the bill was a huge threat to democracy as it undermines democractic principles by restriciting civil space.

The Senate passed the bill,a fortnight ago, and the legislation is currently before the President of Zimbabwe for his decision on its enactment.

“While one of the stated aims of the Bill is to counter terrorism and money laundering in Zimbabwe, the restrictions contained therein will have a chilling effect on civil society organisations,particularly dissenting voices,”the UN experts

The bill has faced strong opposition from civil society organisations and the international community as it does not comply with international human rights obligations, in particular the right to freedom of association.

”By enacting this legislation, authorities would effectively be closing an already shrinking civic space,” the UN experts added.

The Government of Zimbabwe announced its intentions to change the existing Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act to discourage money laundering and prevent non-state actors from “politicizing charitable giving in 2021.

If enacted into law,the bill  will give the government powers to monitor activities of NGOs as well as deregister any organisation that is perceived to be working with foreign powers the effect regime change in the country.