Zimbabwe: UN Cultural Rights Expert Calls for Wider Civic Space and Meaningful Participation

Summary

On 12 October 2026, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights published the end of mission statement of Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, following her official visit to Zimbabwe. The Special Rapporteur called on Zimbabwe to improve the quality of its civic space so that everyone can take part fully in cultural life.

She recognised the country's cultural diversity while urging authorities to review restrictions and administrative burdens that, in her assessment, limit artistic freedom. This report summarises her preliminary observations, the stated purpose of the visit as described by the Government of Zimbabwe and the relevant international standards.

Background: The Official Visit

According to New Ziana, the national news agency, the Special Rapporteur visited Zimbabwe from 28 September to 9 October 2026 at the invitation of the Government. The agency reported that a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Philisiwe Chidawanyika, said the Special Rapporteur would consult Government officials, civil society, academia, artists and cultural practitioners, with emphasis on marginalised groups.

New Ziana reported that it was the first visit to Zimbabwe under the cultural rights mandate and the third by a UN Special Procedures mandate holder since 2019. Earlier visits were made by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in 2019 and the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures in 2021.

Civic Space and Artistic Freedom

In her statement, the Special Rapporteur said: "Despite what some officials say, not everyone is free to express their identity, opinions, values and world views in Zimbabwe today." She said Zimbabwe should "seize the opportunity it has to abandon restrictions and administrative burdens that disproportionately limit artistic freedom and creativity."

She noted that the Constitution recognises 16 languages and that a high number of heritage sites and practices have been recorded and promoted. In her view, however, the creative and transformative power of the country's cultural expressions is not fully harnessed, and it is time to review what she described as excessive control mechanisms.

The Daily News reported on 10 October 2026 that, speaking to reporters in Harare at the end of her visit, the Special Rapporteur also urged authorities to protect the cultural rights of intersex people and other marginalised groups.

Participation in Decision Making

The Special Rapporteur acknowledged that Zimbabwe has an elaborate structure of representation designed to reach individuals and groups through their traditional representatives. She said, however, that the system is failing to ensure space for everyone in decision making processes, and that the relationship between political power structures and the people needs a new start.

"The diversity of voices and opinions, especially of those challenging the status quo, either does not find its way to the decision-making tables, or is muzzled by fear into self-censorship," she said. She added that recognising diverse cultural identities requires specific measures that respect the principle of non discrimination, beyond festivals and exhibitions.

Tourism, Heritage and Development

The statement addressed tourism around World Heritage Sites and large development projects. The Special Rapporteur said such activity may improve quality of life and human rights as long as it first and foremost benefits the people of Zimbabwe, including through meaningful engagement with affected communities and attention to where revenues flow.

She urged the State to address increasing pressure from tourist developments around Victoria Falls and to take into account warnings raised by the World Heritage Committee. She also said local communities must be urgently informed about the impact of the Gwayi Shangani project, among others.

Position of the Government of Zimbabwe

Announcing the visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said its purpose was to give the Special Rapporteur an understanding of efforts and progress being made towards the realisation of cultural rights, according to New Ziana. The Ministry said the final report would contain recommendations to support ongoing national efforts, in line with the Constitution and the international treaties to which Zimbabwe is party.

At the time of writing, the Taskforce had not identified a published Government response to the end of mission statement. Any official response will be reflected in future updates.

Relevant International Standards

Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognises the right of everyone to take part in cultural life and requires States to respect the freedom indispensable for creative activity. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects freedom of expression, including in the form of art, and Article 25 protects the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs. Zimbabwe acceded to both Covenants in 1991.

The Special Rapporteur will present her full report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.

Taskforce Note

The Global HR Taskforce will continue to monitor developments, including the Special Rapporteur's final report and any response from the Government of Zimbabwe. Sources: OHCHR press release, "Cultural rights can come alive in Zimbabwe with meaningful participation, says UN expert," 12 October 2026; New Ziana, "UN special rapporteur on Cultural Rights visits Zimbabwe," 28 September 2026; Daily News, "UN implores Zim to protect intersex rights," 10 October 2026; 263Chat, 12 October 2026; International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.