The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called for a lawful, orderly and humane approach to the ongoing demolition of unlawful structures in Harare and other urban centres, warning that the exercise could worsen the plight of vulnerable households facing displacement.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, 5 November 2026, the Commission acknowledged the Government and local authorities’ responsibility to enforce urban planning regulations, protect public spaces and safeguard environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands.
However, the ZHRC stressed that enforcement of planning, municipal and environmental laws must be conducted in accordance with legal and administrative procedures while respecting the dignity and rights of affected communities.
The Commission highlighted the far-reaching consequences of demolitions, noting that the loss of homes often results in emotional distress, financial hardship and social disruption, particularly for children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.
“Behind every affected household are individuals and families whose aspirations for secure shelter and a dignified existence may have been compromised,” the Commission said.
It urged authorities to explore practicable alternatives where possible and make reasonable efforts to mitigate the hardships associated with displacement.
The ZHRC further attributed the recurring problem of unlawful settlements to the growing demand for housing in urban areas, driven by population growth and increasing urbanisation, coupled with inadequate supply of affordable and legally allocated residential stands.
According to the Commission, the shortage of housing opportunities has exposed prospective homeowners, particularly low-income earners, to exploitation by land barons and unscrupulous individuals who sell or allocate land in undesignated areas.
The human rights body observed that many families invest their life savings in residential stands, only to face demolition and substantial financial losses after discovering that the land was not legally allocated or suitable for housing development.
It called for stronger housing delivery systems, improved access to designated residential land and more responsive urban planning to address the underlying causes of illegal settlements.
The Commission also urged the Government and local authorities to accelerate the development of serviced residential stands, reduce housing waiting lists and establish transparent and equitable land allocation systems.
Law enforcement agencies were encouraged to investigate fraudulent land sales, unlawful allocations and alleged corruption, with the ZHRC emphasising that those who profit from the desperation of home seekers must be held accountable.
The Commission further called on local authorities to strengthen development control mechanisms, provide reliable information on approved housing schemes and improve engagement with residents and prospective homeowners.
Prospective homeowners were also urged to exercise due diligence before purchasing residential stands, verify land allocations with relevant authorities and avoid informal transactions that could expose them to financial losses and displacement.
The ZHRC reiterated that orderly urban development, environmental sustainability and human rights protection should complement each other in Zimbabwe’s housing and settlement policies.
“While the enforcement of the law remains an essential responsibility of the State, equal attention must be directed towards ensuring that citizens have realistic and accessible opportunities to secure housing through lawful channels,” the Commission said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to engaging the Government, local authorities and other stakeholders in advancing lawful urban development, administrative justice and the protection of human rights.
