Zurab Achba was killed on August 15, 2000 in Sukhum at the age of 59. Until the last day of his life, he remained an active human rights activist - deputy chairman of the People's Forum of Abkhazia, member of the Parliament of the first convocation, an outstanding public and political figure.
The role of Zurab Achba in the life of Abkhazian society cannot be overestimated. Being a bright orator and diplomat Zurab Achba brilliantly mastered the gift of public speaking, knew how to give weighty irrefutable arguments and had the gift of persuasion.
The political life of Zurab Achba began at the peak of the national liberation struggle of the people of Abkhazia. During numerous trips to the republics of the Soviet Union, the human rights activist met with a variety of people, appeared on television programs, trying to convey the truth about Abkhazia, about the people's hopes and aspirations.
After the victory of the people of Abkhazia in the Patriotic War of 1992-1993 Zurab Achba together with the members of parliament and political figures of the country began working on the Constitution.
A highly qualified lawyer Zurab Achba was one of the first politicians to advocate for the creation of an ombudsman institution in Abkhazia, concerned about the rights of ordinary citizens, advocated for the development of civil society, for the presence of a real opposition without which a healthy political system is unthinkable, boldly and reasonably criticized the current government. He, like no one else understood how important it was for the young Abkhazian state to lay a solid foundation for the protection of human rights and freedom, so he advocated for  free, modern, democratic Abkhazia where law, order and respect for human dignity should be equally ensured.