U.S. Embassy Harare Zimbabwe
2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +(263) 867-701-1000
Emergency:+(263) 867-701-1000
Fax:+(263) 24-233-4320
Email: consularharare@state.gov

Zimbabwe and the United States have been treaty partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) since August 1, 1995.

For information concerning travel to Zimbabwe, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Zimbabwe.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention.  In this capacity, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Zimbabwe. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.

Contact information:

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax: 202-485-6221
Website: ChildAbduction.state.gov
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

The Zimbabwe Central Authority for the Hague Abduction Convention is the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.  The Zimbabwe Central Authority has an administrative role in processing Hague Abduction Convention applications.  The Central Authority can be reached at:

Permanent Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs
New Government Composite Building
6th floor, Bloc C
Samora Machel Avenue / 4th Street
Private Bag: 7751
Causeway
HARARE
Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263 (4) 774620-7 / +263 (4) 774589-94 / +263 (4) 774 4560
Fax: +263 (4) 772 999

To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Zimbabwe, the left-behind parent or legal guardian must submit a Hague application to the Zimbabwe Central Authority either directly or through the U.S. Central Authority.  The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to the Zimbabwe Central Authority and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes. 

There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or Zimbabwe central authorities.  Attorney fees, if necessary, are the sole responsibility of the person hiring the attorney.  Additional costs may include airplane tickets for court appearances and for the return of the child, if so ordered.

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Zimbabwe.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Zimbabwe.  The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

The Zimbabwe Central Authority recommends that a parent, upon applying for the return of their child, engage an attorney of his or her choice at the parent’s expense. The Zimbabwe Central Authority may provide a no-fee attorney for indigent parents through its Legal Aid Directorate.  The Central Authority will forward a case to the appropriate court but does not appear in court.   

The U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe posts a list of attorneys,including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

The Zimbabwe Central Authority strongly promotes voluntary resolutions in abduction cases and will attempt to initiate mediation in all Hague Abduction Convention cases. Upon receiving a Hague application, the Central Authority advises the taking parent of the law and encourages them to voluntarily return the child. If the taking parent is interested in negotiating with the left-behind parent, the Central Authority can recommend that the parties engage an attorney for mediation. If the taking parent refuses mediation, the applicant parent can proceed by litigation.