Parliament ratifies Migrant Worker Protection Conv...

Parliament ratifies Migrant Worker Protection Convention after two decades

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

CHIEF REPORTER

The Zimbabwean Parliament has finally approved the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, a move welcomed by lawmakers but raising questions about the lengthy delay in ratification.

The convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990, seeks to protect the rights of migrant workers and their families. Zimbabwe signed the convention in 2003, but it required parliamentary approval to become binding.

Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha Dinha, presented the motion for ratification, highlighting the convention's alignment with Zimbabwe's human rights obligations.

“WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that an international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;

“WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of all Migrant workers and Members of their Families which came into force on 1st July 2003.

“WHEREAS Article 85 of the aforesaid Convention provides that Instrument of Ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations

“NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Convention be and is hereby approved for ratification,” reads part of the motion by the Deputy Minister.

Dzivaresekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa Mushoriwa expressed his support for the ratification but voiced concerns about the 21-year gap between signing and bringing the convention before Parliament. He pointed out the significant number of Zimbabweans working abroad who could have benefited from earlier ratification.

“There is a gap between the signing by the Executive and then bringing these treaties before the august House,” said Mushoriwa.

He urged the government to expedite the presentation of future treaties for parliamentary approval.

Bindura South Constituency MP Remigious Matangira stated the importance of protecting migrant workers who contribute to the host country’s development.

Leader of the House, Pupurai Togarepi, downplayed the delay, arguing that signing the convention in 2003 demonstrated Zimbabwe’s tacit support for its objectives. He highlighted that many migrant workers in Zimbabwe already enjoyed the benefits enshrined in the convention.