United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Ms Alexandra Xanthaki, has commenced an assessment of the state of cultural rights in Zimbabwe during an official visit to the country.
Ms Xanthaki, who is in Zimbabwe at the invitation of the Government, is meeting Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, in Harare as part of her assessment.
The Special Rapporteur arrived in the country on Monday and will remain in Zimbabwe until October 9, during which she is expected to engage a wide range of stakeholders on issues relating to cultural rights.
Her programme includes meetings with Government officials, public institutions, civil society organisations, academics, artists and other cultural practitioners.
Ms Xanthaki will also travel to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, where she is expected to visit cultural heritage sites and engage traditional leaders and communities on matters concerning cultural rights and heritage preservation.
The visit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to highlight progress, challenges and opportunities in the protection and promotion of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, traditions and creative sectors.
At the conclusion of her mission, Ms Xanthaki is expected to prepare a report containing her findings and recommendations.
The report will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2027 and is expected to include recommendations aimed at assisting Government and other stakeholders in strengthening the realisation and protection of cultural rights in Zimbabwe.
