As Zimbabwe is poised to take
over and host the SADC Chairperson-ship and Summit in August this year, the
regional civil society groups had hosted the 10th Civil Society
Forum in Harare.
Misheck Gondo
As the intention was to bring a
more holistic people-centered SADC; the representatives of all SADC countries
showed their determination during the three day forum, an annual event that
usually coincides with the SADC Heads of State Summit.
The delegates discussed
fundamental issues that will be forwarded to the SADC Heads of States; of
critical consideration were thematised issues around regional integration and
development. There were loud calls to shape a SADC that is epitomized by a
people- centered development paradigm which takes into account the rights of
every person regardless of color, race, region, political belief, social
status, and age.
A focusing binocular was
projected to create a region that is free from poverty, coupled with stable
economies, fair and just trade, redistribution of wealth and productive assets.
Critical core demands were made
through a declaration, to mirror a few; SADC has to establish a Regional
Parliament to enable citizens of SADC to determine what Parliamentary rule to give
voices in the governance of their region.
The call to establish the
Regional Court of Justice or resuscitation of the SADC Tribunal where also louder; this was said will go a long way to guarantee all citizens with
regard to access justice, protection of dignity, and needy during the times of regional disputes.
However, delegates noted that the Court or Tribunal should be independent from
western influence as this will compromise the legitimacy of the region‘s
jurisdiction.
The SADC-CNGOs, SATUCC, FOCCISA among
other representatives deliberated on the need for SADC countries to sign,
ratify and domesticate various protocols that have developmental effects to the
region.
The delegates had time to
contribute issues through commissions such as that of Youth, Children, and Gender,
Governance, Peace and Security among others.
The youth deliberated on several
issues that were considered in the declaration; a SADC Youth Protocol was
proposed by year 2016; the protocol will cover the participation of young
people in the region, taking into account issues such as youth unemployment,
youth migration, and access to health, affordable and quality education, youth
inclusion in all issues that cut across developmental paradigms.
The youth demanded that SADC has
to resolve to empower and utilize the youth constituency as a resource in
development of the region and ensure that the member states formulate youth
policies that are youth friendly and that are matched with international
standards, but not restrictive youth laws; as the case of Zimbabwe Youth
Council Act.
Majority of the delegates
dismissed the inclusion of Gays and Lesbians in the declaration, with organizations
from the apex council such as SATUCC and FOCCISA among other individual institutions
that constituted majority citing that there is no consensus from their
membership therefore the need to further consult on the matter, other clearly
noted that they will distance themselves from the declaration if the issue is included.
Representatives from organizations dealing with sexual orientation cited the
need to respect their rights and need to maintain the group in the resolution;
and this was dismissed by the majority who called for the respect of the Region
and African values, yet others proposed the changing of wording to vulnerable
groups an umbrella word for all who are deprived of their rights such as people
living with disabilities, indigenous and minorities among other.
There were also solidarity
statements to Nigeria for the abducted girls, the Swaziland lack of democracy
and its stickery to traditional leadership, Palestine‘s bombardment by Israel,
and the Eritrea situation among other.
The forum was officially closed
by the Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa who in
his words of wisdom acknowledged the work of civil society from the time of the
liberation straggle; and the need to continue to work for the development of
the region without excessive, negative external influence. The Minister called
for constructive criticism that builds the region.
Apart from the challenges facing
the region; the citizens of SADC showed their determination and zeal to build
the SADC that they want.
Let’s wait and see!
Misheck Gondo is an International
Relations Expert with the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and youth leader in
Zimbabwe.
