Acquisition of identity documents still a challenge in Zimbabwe
Published: 8/Oct/2019
Source: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)
The acquisition of national identity documents, though considered to be a fundamental human right, has remained a challenge and beyond the reach of many Zimbabweans.
The story of a 50 year-old Mutare woman, Jessica Makwela, whose parents were from Mozambique and died when she was young, sums up challenges that some people are facing in accessing national identity documents.
“I don’t have national identity documents as my parents who are of Mozambican origin died when I was young and I don’t have any other relative in Zimbabwe to help me acquire identity documents. I have 9 children and 13 grandchildren who also have no identity documents, and are deprived of benefits such as access to education and even the right to vote”, she narrated her story.
“My parents crossed into Mozambique during the liberation struggle when I was still young. I understand that they are no more hence there is no one to become my witnesses to acquire national identity documents”, said 53-year old Rosemary Smoke, from Olka Farm in rural Mutare who is also in the same predicament.
This is the tip of the iceberg at public hearings being conducted by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) on access to documentation in Mutare, where citizens were given the platform to speak on issues around the acquisition of national identity documents.
Read further: http://www.zbc.co.zw/acquisition-of-identity-documents-still-a-challenge-in-zimbabwe/