A/HRC/19/14 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twelfth session from 3 to 14 October 2011. The review of Zimbabwe was held at the 12th meeting, on 10 October 2011. The delegation of Zimbabwe was headed by Hon. Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs. At its 16th meeting, held on 12 October 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Zimbabwe. 2. On 20 June 2011, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Zimbabwe: China, Spain and Senegal. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Zimbabwe: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/ZWE/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/ZWE/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/ZWE/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia was transmitted to Zimbabwe through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. Zimbabwe reported that its national report was the result of an extensive multisectoral consultative process which included national consultative workshops involving all stakeholders. 6. Zimbabwe indicated that it had in place various independent institutions, legislation and policy frameworks aimed at protecting and promoting the human rights of its people. It has embarked on an all-inclusive national programme to write a new Constitution by, of and for Zimbabweans. The current Constitution provided for the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, and had a justiciable Bill of Rights. The country also had legislation to advance and protect human rights in the areas of education, labour and health. 7. In order to take the direct benefits under these and other laws to the people, the Government had formulated and launched a number of policies and strategies which, despite the illegal economic sanctions, had registered a measure of success. For example, Zimbabwe adopted the National Programme of Action for Children and the National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. In addition, Victim-Friendly Units at police stations, hospitals and courts have been established. The Zimbabwe Republic Police had a Police Complaints Desk at every station to deal with cases of ill-treatment and mishandling of cases by police. The Constitution established the Electoral and Media Commissions. 3