A/HRC/44/50/Add.2 110. The Special Rapporteur notes the preparation and presentation of the voluntary national review on the Sustainable Development Goals in 2017,20 which incorporated key stakeholders, including civil society representatives. The consultations contributed to encouraging an inclusive and participatory approach and promoting accountability and transparency. Of note is the work done by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, which is a member of the Steering Committee, as well as by the civil society reference group on dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals, as it provided diverse views on inputs and insights that were included in the final outcome. 111. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the importance of the engagement of civil society in this process and the work carried out by the National Association of NonGovernmental Organizations. These efforts are encouraged in the preparation of future progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and voluntary national reports, as well as in the preparation of the country’s National Development Plan. 112. The Special Rapporteur believes that government support in facilitating an enabling space for civil society participation in policy dialogue and in the development of national policies contributes to building a better legal, political, economic and social environment that addresses the most basic needs of the poorest and most marginalized groups. V. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 113. Grounded in its Constitution, the Government is implementing reforms with a renewed intention to deliver on its commitments. 114. In this process and considering the constraints of the current economic, political and social environment, it is essential that the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association is guaranteed as it will contribute to openness and create a space for meaningful pluralistic dialogue, transparency, accountability and shared development. 115. The Special Rapporteur believes that the existing political polarization profoundly affects the opportunity for progress. In this regard, he urges that trust be built on adherence to the rule of law and respect for the Constitution; strengthening of the judiciary and independent constitutional institutions; the fight against corruption and impunity; and support for the work of civil society. 116. As Zimbabwe has taken steps to show that it is open for business, the Special Rapporteur believes that economic reforms need to go hand in hand with the ability of individuals to exercise their fundamental freedoms and that legislation and policies need to be compliant with international human rights norms and standards. He stresses that a society without space for critical voices to speak freely and peacefully is unsustainable. 117. The Special Rapporteur believes in the resilience and adaptability of Zimbabweans and encourages the Government to capitalize on these values and facilitate unfettered exercise of fundamental freedoms. 118. The Government raised with the Special Rapporteur the issue of the detrimental effects of unilateral restrictive measures imposed on Zimbabwe and their impact on the economy and the enjoyment of social, economic and cultural rights. 119. In recent developments, the Council of the European Union has decided21 to extend support for economic development, primary health care, resilience-building 20 21 16 See Zimbabwe Voluntary National Review (VNR) of SDGs for the High-Level Political Forum (July 2017).Available at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/15866Zimbabwe.pdf. See www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/02/17/zimbabwe-council-adoptsconclusions-and-renews-its-arms-embargo-and-targeted-assets-freeze-against-one-company.