court held that the fairness of the trial was clearly undermined as the judge was not impartial and the proceedings were subsequently set aside. 7.8. The courts have also consistently registered their displeasure over the delay in bringing finality to cases. In the case of S v Josephine Sibanda SC 44/07, proceedings in the Magistrates Court were permanently stayed as a result of inordinate delays in bringing the accused to trial. Challenges 7.9. There are limited resources to decentralize the Legal Aid Directorate further to all districts. Responses 7.10. Government is working with developmental partners to ensure that the Legal Aid Directorate continues its decentralisation drive. In addition, the High Court has been decentralized to two more provinces and the decentralisation drive is still underway. 8. Article 8: Freedom of Conscience and Religion Constitutional and Legislative Measures 8.1. The Constitution41 confers on every person the right to freedom of conscience, which includes the freedom of thought, opinion, religion or belief; and the freedom to practise their religion whether in private or in public and whether alone or together with others. Administrative Measures 8.2. Government has adopted an open door policy to the operation of religious bodies in Zimbabwe where citizens are allowed to form, join, associate or exit such bodies freely. The Government also allows various religious bodies to use public utilities and 41 Section 60 of the Constitution Page | 25