Human Rights in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: Armed police torch homes of 250 people in Harare

Lindsay Mossman — 2010-09-07T15:54:43+01:00

Amnesty International is calling on the Zimbabwean government to take immediate action to protect some 250 people who were forcibly evicted before their homes and possessions were set alight during a night raid by armed Zimbabwean police.

According to those forcibly evicted, at around 00:30 on August 25 members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) raided an informal settlement in the Gunhill suburb of Harare. Some of the police were armed and accompanied by dogs. Residents received no notice of the eviction and were given just ten minutes to gather their possessions before being ordered into a police vehicle. Police gave no information as to why the eviction was being carried out or at whose instigation.

Following the eviction 55 residents, including five children, were taken to Harare Central Police Station and detained without access to lawyers. Lawyers who attempted to attend their clients at the police station were not informed why they had been detained. All 55 detainees were released without charge later in the day.

Read the News Release

Zimbabwe diamond fields activist released on bail

Lindsay Mossman — 2010-07-13T16:54:11+01:00

Amnesty International welcomes the release on bail of a Zimbabwean activist detained for five weeks after he exposed human rights violations in the country's Marange diamond fields.

Farai Maguwu was released on Monday on conditional bail of US$1,500 by a Harare court, after the judge dismissed prosecutors' claims that he could interfere with witnesses involved in police investigations into his alleged crimes.

Detained since 3 June, Farai Maguwu was charged with "publishing or communicating false information prejudicial to the state," after he reportedly told a diamond trade monitor about the abuses carried out by security forces in the Marange diamond fields.

Read the News Update

Zimbabwe diamond fields activist must be released

Lindsay Mossman — 2010-07-07T14:53:42+01:00

Amnesty International today called on the Zimbabwean government to release an activist who is being detained after he exposed human rights violations in the country’s Marange diamond fields.

Farai Maguwu has been detained since June 3, and charged with “publishing or communicating false information prejudicial to the state”, after he reportedly told a diamond trade monitor about human rights violations carried out by security forces in the Marange diamond fields.

The activist had handed himself in to the police after members of his family were beaten and interrogated by state officials.

On Friday, a Harare Magistrate denied Farai Maguwu bail after the state prosecutor said more time was needed to complete investigations. Lawyers are appealing the court’s decision to deny him bail.

Read the News Release

Zimbabwe: Shock at continued detention of human rights activist

Lindsay Mossman — 2010-07-07T14:53:31+01:00

Amnesty International calls on the government of Zimbabwe to immediately and unconditionally release detained human rights defender, Farai Maguwu. He has been in custody since 3 June 2010, when he presented himself to the police and was arrested on allegations of “publishing or communication false information prejudicial to the state.”

Today, a Harare Magistrate denied Maguwu bail following state submissions that more time was needed to continue with investigations. Maguwu’s bail application was repeatedly postponed before being heard by the court. Maguwu’s lawyers believe that the state is delaying the release of their client as a way of punishment for exposing human rights violations by security forces in Zimbabwe’s diamond fields in Marange (Manicaland province).

On 1 July a police inspector told the court that he had failed to interview Abbey Chikane, the Kimberly Process (KP) Zimbabwe monitor, who is a key state witness in the case against Maguwu.

Maguwu’s lawyers are appealing the court’s decision.

Read the Public Statement

Attack on activists sparks fears of new wave of Zimbabwe violence

Lindsay Mossman — 2010-07-07T14:52:43+01:00

Amnesty International has warned that Zimbabwe could be hit by a new wave of political violence, following a spate of attacks on human rights activists by supporters of President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party in the past week.

Three human rights monitors were captured and beaten with logs by Zanu-PF supporters on Sunday, in the latest incident since a process of consultation over a new Zimbabwean constitution began on 16 June.

"This intimidation and harassment of activists undermines Zimbabwe's efforts to form a new constitution with public consultation and it is also a worrying reminder of the organised violence that took place in 2008," said Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International’s Africa director.

Read the News Update

Zimbabwe: 700,000 forcibly evicted still ignored five years on

Keith Rimstad — 2010-05-18T14:34:54+01:00

The government of Zimbabwe must take action to protect hundreds of thousands of people left to survive in substandard settlements five years after a program of mass forced evictions, Amnesty International Zimbabwe and a coalition of partners said today.
Amnesty International and the Coalition Against Forced Evictions are calling on the government to provide adequate alternative accommodation or compensation to those left homeless and jobless.

“It is a scandal that five years on, victims are left to survive in plastic shacks without basic essential services. The needs of these victims are at risk of being forgotten because their voices are consistently ignored,” said Amnesty International Zimbabwe’s director Cousin Zilala.

Zimbabwe: Stop harassing opponents of former government

Keith Rimstad — 2010-05-10T19:06:02+01:00

The Zimbabwe authorities must stop harassing political opponents and government critics, Amnesty International said today, following the acquittal of a critic of President Robert Mugabe accused of plotting to overthrow him.

Roy Bennett, a Movement for Democratic Change official, had been charged with “conspiring to acquire arms with a view to disrupting essential services” following his arrest in February 2008. He was acquitted by a Harare court on Monday.

"While welcoming the acquittal of Roy Bennett, we remain concerned about persistent abuse of the law against perceived opponents of the former ZANU-PF government,” said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Africa.

Zimbabwe: Grant Radio Dialogue a broadcasting licence!

Hilary Homes — 2010-04-30T15:29:47+01:00

Founded in Bulawayo in 2001, Radio Dialogue is a non-profit community radio station which aims to engage its listeners in discussions of current political, social, and economic issues affecting Zimbabweans. Their slogan, “Giving You a Voice,” expresses their goal of promoting tolerance, understanding and strong community relationships.

Although the Government of National Unity (GNU) made a commitment in 2008 to immediately process all applications for broadcasting registration, Radio Dialogue’s application has not been assessed. Radio Dialogue staff members have also held numerous meetings with the relevant government officials but continue to be denied a licence. Staff members have also been subject to harassment and intimidation by the Zimbabwean authorities in a political environment in which journalists are tightly monitored and controlled by state agents.

Take Action

Zimbabwean police must end intimidation of activists

Keith Rimstad — 2010-04-20T17:46:42+01:00

20 April 2010

Amnesty International has urged the Zimbabwe police to end their intimidation of activists and stop preventing them from exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

The call came as four female activists arrested and kept in custody without charge for five days following a peaceful demonstration were released after the Attorney General’s office refused to prosecute them.

Photos show life in Zimbabwe after 30 years of independence � News Update

Keith Rimstad — 2010-04-20T17:42:12+01:00

18 April 2010

On Sunday, Zimbabwe commemorates 30 years since the end of colonial rule.
However, the celebration of Zimbabwe’s independence is marred by the plight of hundreds of thousands of victims of human rights violations for whom freedom and dignity remain out of reach.

To mark the 30-year anniversary, Amnesty International has released a series of exclusively commissioned photographs showing the effects on those who were evicted en masse in 2005 under Operation Murambatsvina.

Zimbabwe urged to allow debate on past human rights violations after police block art exhibitions

Keith Rimstad — 2010-04-20T17:37:43+01:00

30 March 2010

Amnesty International today called on Zimbabwe’s Government to end repression of public debate on past and ongoing human rights violations, following the detention of a well known artist for work depicting atrocities committed in the 1980’s.

Owen Maseko was arrested on 26 March after participating in a show at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery, which depicted atrocities that took place in the Matabeleland region, known as Gukuruhundi, in western Zimbabwe during the 1980s where thousands of people were killed, mainly by state security agents.

Zimbabwe: Union leader in hiding after police raid � Media Release

Keith Rimstad — 2010-03-23T19:22:45+01:00

Issued February 24, 2010

Amnesty International today called on the government of Zimbabwe to end harassment and intimidation of a union activist who is in hiding after police raided a union office in Harare on Wednesday.
Gertrude Hambira, Secretary General of the General Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ), fled after five men and one women who identified themselves as officers from the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) raided the union’s head office at about 12:30 pm, looking for her.

At the time of the raid Ms Hambira was out of the office. She is now in hiding and in fear for her safety.

Good News for Harare Residents Facing Eviction!

Keith Rimstad — 2010-03-23T19:16:54+01:00

URGENT ACTION UPDATE
THOUSANDS SPARED EVICTION IN ZIMBABWE

Thousands of people in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, are no longer facing eviction from their market stalls and homes. Amnesty International has recently received formal notification that the threat of forced evictions had been withdrawn.
In July 2009 the Deputy Mayor of the Harare City Council stated that the city authorities were considering evicting people from “illegal settlements and market places to restore order.” The Deputy Mayor claimed that the targeted people were posing a health hazard and violating city by-laws. An estimated 200 people from an informal settlement in the suburb of Gunhill and thousands of informal traders across Harare in Zimbabwe faced being forcibly evicted without being given adequate notice or any consultation or due process. Most of the people at risk were victims of Operation Murambatsvina (Restore Order), a programme of mass forced evictions implemented by the Zimbabwean authorities in 2005 which left 700,000 people without homes and livelihoods.
After Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action, the Mayor of Harare met with Amnesty International representatives, and a coalition of stakeholders including the Combined Harare Residents' Association (CHRA), whose Chair acted as a spokesperson for the coalition; the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

On 30 December 2009 the Mayor of Harare sent a letter to Amnesty International, in which he acknowledged receiving petitions and letters from Amnesty International members and supporters, outlining concerns about the threatened forced evictions. In his letter, the Mayor stated that "due to the concerns expressed by some stakeholders, your members included, the intended exercise is being revisited with a view to constructing more markets…In the case of informal settlements, no effort will be spared in looking for alternative shelter for those affected before they are removed. Every effort will be undertaken to undertake the whole effort as humanely as possible.’

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is required on this case. Amnesty International will continue to monitor and lobby the authorities in Zimbabwe.

This is the first update of UA 196/09 (AFR 46/021/2009). Further information: http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/AFR46/021/2009/en

Further information on UA: 196/09 Index: AFR 46/001/2010 Issue Date: 05 February 2010

Zimbabwe: Abuse of human rights continues under unity government

Keith Rimstad — 2010-02-11T21:39:42+01:00

Amnesty International today called on President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai to fulfil their promise to reform state institutions, in a bid to end human rights violations that have continued in the country since the formation of the unity government one year ago.
Torture, harassment and politically motivated prosecutions of human rights defenders and perceived opponents have persisted,while villagers in parts of Zimbabwe have suffered ceaseless intimidation by supporters of former ruling party ZANU-PF.

“The Attorney General’s office, police and army have been left to freely violate human rights in pursuit of a political agenda,” said Erwin van der Borght, Africa Director at Amnesty International.

Send a Valentine's Day rose and message for the women of Zimbabwe

Keith Rimstad — 2010-02-11T21:37:33+01:00

Will you join me in doing something compassionate for human rights on Valentines Day?

Every year on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, women march through the streets of Zimbabwe to hand out roses and ask their government for one simple thing: respect. Although Zimbabwean politicians have joined together in cooperation to improve living conditions for many Zimbabweans, many human rights activists are still facing persecution, and access to education remains impossible for many children.

Good News! Harassment and intimidation of Marlon Magwaza ends!

Keith Rimstad — 2010-02-11T21:29:28+01:00

Marlon Magwaza a 27 year old Artist and Community Activist has recently reported to Amnesty International that he no longer feels under threat since members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) apologised for the harassment and the ZANU-PF youths who were threatening him were cautioned by police. Marlon is now continuing with his community activism. The apology and an end to Marlon’s harassment and intimidation by the ZRP and ZANU PF youths follows a world wide letter writing campaign by AI membership which was launched on 30 October 2009. See blog entry below for more information

Action for Human Rights Defender Marlon Magwaza! STOP ACTION

Keith Rimstad — 2009-11-17T19:12:31+01:00

On Saturday 3 October 2009, a 27 year old artist and community activist, Marlon Magwaza, was harassed and threatened by ZANU-PF youths in Hatcliffe after he had organised a police-approved community cultural event to promote peace in his community. During the Presidential elections of 2008, the low income Harare suburb of Hatcliffe experienced high levels of political violence, including abductions, murders and systematic torture in ZANU-PF camps.

The ZANU-PF youths accused Marlon Magwaza of being a supporter of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and took him to the Borrowdale police station where he was detained for seven hours. He was accused of “insulting” President Mugabe and released only after the intervention of his lawyer. On Sunday October 4th, police officers detained him again at Borrowdale police station for about three hours before releasing him.

[more]
On October 11th, about 15 ZANU-PF supporters went to Marlon Magawaza’s home when he was away and threatened the occupants of the house and said they would kidnap and beat Marlon. As a result, Marlon fears for his personal safety. The targeting of Marlon by ZANU-PF supporters is consistent with other reports of harassment and intimidation suffered by human rights and political activists in Zimbabwe.

TAKE ACTION:
Please write to the Commissioner-General of Police and the Chief of the Borrowdale Police Station, urging them to protect the human rights of Marlon Magwaza. Please use this sample letter or write your own raising the same points.

Dear _________,
I am extremely concerned about the harassment and intimidation of Marlon Magwaza by ZANU-PF supporters with the apparent acquiescence of the police officers at Borrowdale police station.
Marlon Magwaza, a community activist from Harare’s Hatcliffe suburb, was harassed on October 3rd and 4th after organizing a police approved community event. He was forcibly taken by ZANU-PF supporters to Borrowdale police station, where he was detained for about seven hours and for three hours the next day. On October 11th, ZANU-PF supporters went to Marlon Magwaza’s home and said they would kidnap and beat Marlon. As a result, Mr. Magwaza fears for his personal safety.
The treatment of Marlon Magwaza by both ZANU-PF and the police amounts to a violation of his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed in Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. As you may know, Zimbabwe is a state party to this international human rights treaty.
I am concerned to note, too, that police appear to be taking orders from ZANU-PF supporters to arrest people. Such conduct by the police is not consistent with the Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation’s Code of Conduct for Police Officials (Article 1, in particular).
I am therefore urging you in your capacity as Commissioner General of Police/ Officer-in-Charge of Borrowdale police station to investigate this matter and take all necessary measures to guarantee Marlon Magwaza’s personal safety in his community and allow him go about his work as a community activist without interference from ZANU-PF supporters or any other political organisation.

Yours sincerely,

WRITE TO:

Mr Augustine Chihuri
Commissioner-General of Police
Zimbabwe Republic Police General Head Quarters
PO Box 8807
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe

Fax: + 263 4 253 212

Salutation: Dear Commissioner-General Chihuri

Officer-in-Charge
Borrowdale Suburban District Police Station
Borowdale Road
P O Borrowdale
Harare
Zimbabwe

Salutation: Dear Officer-in-Charge

African governments must pressure Zimbabwe on human rights

Keith Rimstad — 2009-11-17T18:34:11+01:00

Release issued October 28

Amnesty International today warned that Zimbabwe is on the brink of sliding back into the post-election violence that marred the country last year, risking undermining the stability brought about by the creation of the unity government in February.

The organization called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) foreign ministers, visiting Zimbabwe on Thursday to assess the eight month-old unity government, not to ignore the worsening human rights situation.

Urgent Action: Trade Unionist Gertrude Hambira UPDATE POST MARCH 23

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-11-09T19:10:42+01:00

The home of 48-year-old Gertrude Hambira, a prominent female trade union activist in Zimbabwe, was attacked by three armed men on 3 November. Gertrude Hambira is now in hiding, fearing for her life.

On 3 November, the home of Gertrude Hambira, the Secretary General of the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union (GAPWUZ) was attacked by three armed men who forced their way in. At the time of the attack Gertrude Hambira was not at home. However, her husband, Gertrude's elderly mother and the couple's children, including a five-year-old, were at home.

At around midnight, Gertrude Hambira's husband was woken by three men who had broken into the house in Milton Park, a suburb in the capital, Harare. When he confronted the men, they asked him about the whereabouts of his wife. He was pinned down by the intruders who threatened to shoot him when he called for help. One of the men fired a single shot into the roof of the house. The men took with them three mobile phones, US$100 cash and some photographs of Gertrude Hambira with her children from a family photograph album. The armed men only left the house when a security alarm was activated, and Gertrude Hambira's husband was able to escape and alert a neighbour before calling the police. [more]

The attack on Gertrude Hambira's home follows two similar attacks linked to state security agents in Harare in the previous week. On 27 October, Edith Mashayire, an employee of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) political party led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, was attacked on the street in Harare by armed men believed to be state security agents. They reportedly told her that she was under arrest and started assaulting her with their guns, but they released her after she called for help from members of the public. During the same week another MDC employee, Pascal Gwezere, was abducted by state security agents from his home. He was reportedly tortured by his abductors. He was later charged with breaking into a military armoury and undergoing military training in Uganda in 1999. These charges are widely believed to be trumped up.

Take Action: Please write in English or your own language:

- Calling on the authorities to guarantee the safety of Getrude Hambira;

- Calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances around the attack on Gertrude Hambira’s family home;

- Urging the authorities to investigate the attack and to end harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and political activists by state security agents;

Write To:

Commissioner General of Police
Mr. Augustine Chihuri
ZRP Headquarters
P.O. Box 8807
Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: 011 263 4 253 212
Salutation: Dear Commissioner

Send a Copy To:

Her Excellency Florence Zano Chideya
Ambassador for Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9
Fax: (613) 563-8269
Email: info@zimottawa.com

World Habitat Day: Governments in Africa must end forced evictions- Press Release

Keith Rimstad — 2009-10-06T20:53:23+01:00

Governments in Africa must end the practice of forced evictions that leave hundreds of thousands homeless every year, Amnesty International has said ahead of World Habitat Day on 5 October 2009.

In most cases evictions are conducted without any due process, consultation, adequate notice or compensation. Officials carrying out the evictions often use excessive force against residents.

"It is completely unacceptable that governments across Africa continue to act in violation of regional and international law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” said Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International’s Africa Program Director.

“Governments have a responsibility to ensure that no further forced evictions take place in Africa and that victims of forced evictions receive adequate alternative housing and access to effective remedies.”

Amnesty International has documented cases of forced evictions in Angola, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The effect of forced evictions can be catastrophic, particularly for people who are already living in poverty

Four short videos marking World Habitat Day

Keith Rimstad — 2009-10-06T20:49:59+01:00

To mark World Habitat Day, Amnesty sections across the world will be campaigning to end forced evictions in Africa. To support this work there are a number of videos available.

The link below will take you to four short videos produced by local journalists in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe and are supported by Amnesty International, concerning forced evictions in these areas.

click here to go to the videos

Zimbabwe Supreme Court Orders End to Prosecution Jestina Mukoko

Keith Rimstad — 2009-10-06T20:42:06+01:00

Issued on September 28, 2009

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court ordered a permanent stay of the criminal proceedings against prominent human rights activist Jestina Mukoko on Monday. The director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) was facing criminal proceedings on charges of recruiting persons for training as insurgents or saboteurs.

“This is a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe and we welcome it," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International. "The government must drop all the charges against human rights and political activists who were targeted for exercising their rights to freedom of association and expression.”

Read the media release

Zimbabwe student leaders released on bail

Keith Rimstad — 2009-08-27T15:20:18+01:00

10 August 2009

Four student leaders arrested and detained last week while addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe, Harare, have been released. Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) President Clever Bere and three other representatives of the students union were released on Friday.

Clever Bere, Kudakwashe Chakabva from the Harare Polytechnic, Archieford Mudzengi from the Zimbabwe School of Mines and Brian Rugondo from the University of Zimbabwe were arrested on 5 August for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry. Ten other students arrested at the same time were released the same day.

Zimbabwe: Arrest and detention of four student leaders

Keith Rimstad — 2009-08-27T15:17:13+01:00

6 August 2009

Amnesty International today condemned yesterday’s arrest and detention of four student leaders. They were arrested while addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.

The leaders of the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (ZINASU) were addressing students outside the main library of the University of Zimbabwe when they and ten other students were rounded up and subsequently detained by police at Avondale police station. Though the ten were later released, ZINASU President Clever Bere, Kudakwashe Chakabva from the Harare Polytechnic, Archieford Mudzengi from the Zimbabwe School of Mines, and Brian Rugondo spent the night in custody.

Thousands face mass eviction from homes and market stalls

Keith Rimstad — 2009-07-28T20:52:16+01:00

Issued 23 July 2009

Up to 200 people from an informal settlement in the Harare suburb of Gunhill in Zimbabwe face being forcibly evicted without being given adequate notice or any consultation or due process. Thousands of vendors across Harare also face forcible removal from their market stalls.

The majority of those to be affected are poor women whose principal source of livelihood is selling fruits, vegetables and other wares at market stalls like Mbare Musika and Mupedzanhamo in Harare.

Fear of more mass evictions in Harare STOP ACTION

Keith Rimstad — 2009-07-22T17:49:09+01:00

UA 196/09
ZIMBABWE
AI Index: AFR 46/021/2009
22 July 2009

Thousands of people in Harare face mass eviction from their market stalls and homes. Most of the targeted people were victims of the 2005 mass forced evictions that left about 700,000 people without homes or livelihood or both. Four years on, the authorities now want to forcibly re-evict some of these people.

An estimated 200 people from an informal settlement in the suburb of Gunhill and thousands of informal traders across Harare in Zimbabwe face being forcibly evicted without being given adequate notice or any consultation or due process.

[more]

In July 2009 the Deputy Mayor of the Harare City Council stated that the city authorities have considered evicting people from “illegal settlements and market places to restore order.” The Deputy Mayor claimed that the targeted people were posing a health hazard and violating city by-laws.

Most of the people at risk of forcible eviction were victims of Operation Murambatsvina (Restore Order), a programme of mass forced evictions implemented by the Zimbabwean authorities in 2005 which left 700,000 people without homes and livelihoods. Four years on, the authorities have failed to provide an effective remedy to the victims and as a result many continue to be at risk of being forcibly evicted from both their homes and their informal businesses.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in English or your own language:
* Call on the Mayor of Harare to immediately stop any pending mass evictions from informal settlements or markets in Harare. In particular, the council should give adequate and reasonable notice for affected people prior to any eviction and ensure that no one is rendered homeless or vulnerable to the violation of other human rights as a consequence of eviction. Where those affected are unable to provide for themselves, the council must take all appropriate measures, to the maximum of its available resources, to ensure that adequate alternative housing, resettlement or access to productive land, as the case may be, is available.
* Urge the Minister of Local Government to immediately stop any pending mass evictions by the Harare city authorities and to order all local authorities in Zimbabwe to stop any pending mass evictions.
* Call on the Minister of Local Government to liaise with the Minister of National Housing to ensure that the 2005 recommendations by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Human Settlement Issues in Zimbabwe are fully implemented.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS TO:

Mayor of Harare:

Cllr Muchadeyi Masunda
1st Floor Town House
P. O. Box 990
Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: 011 263 4 751 124
Salutation: Dear Mayor

Minister of Local Government:

Hon Ignatius Chombo
Ministry of Local Government
P. O. Box CY7706
Causeway, Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: 011 263 4 792 307
Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

Her Excellency Florence Zano Chideya
Ambassador for Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9
Fax: (613) 563-8269
Email: zimembassy@zimembassy-can.org

Deputy Mayor of Harare:
Cllr Emmanuel Chiroto
1st Floor Town House
P. O. Box 990
Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: 011 263 4 751 124
Salutation: Dear Deputy Mayor

Additional Information

Formal unemployment in Zimbabwe is above 90 per cent. The bulk of the urban population, particularly women, survive on informal trade. Further forced evictions would drive these people deeper into poverty. Since Operation Murambatsvina, the city of Harare has repeatedly targeted informal traders, mainly urban poor, seizing their wares and fining them for operating at illegal trading places.

Zimbabwe needs an impartial and independent police oversight body

Keith Rimstad — 2009-07-14T19:52:20+01:00

Amnesty International has called on the Zimbabwean government to put in place an impartial and independent police oversight body. The organization said on Wednesday that the body should be publicly accessible to investigate all complaints of human rights violations by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

The call follows the ruling by a Harare magistrate on Tuesday that ordered the Zimbabwean government to investigate alleged assault of four women human rights activists by police while in custody. The four women from the activist organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arbitrary arrested by police on 18 June after engaging in a peaceful demonstration to commemorate World Refugee Day.

Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan asks Zimbabwe's PM to prioritize human rights

Keith Rimstad — 2009-06-22T21:33:10+01:00

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told Amnesty International's chief Irene Khan that the direction for reform had been set and committed to ensuring the implementation of the human rights provisions included in the Global Political Agreement, during his visit to London on Monday.

Ms Khan met Tsvangirai just days after she returned from a six-day mission to Zimbabwe during which she met senior government officials, human rights defenders and victims of human rights abuses

View video of AI's mission to Zimbabwe

Without justice there can be no real healing in Zimbabwe

Keith Rimstad — 2009-06-22T19:41:38+01:00

Amnesty International has a long and consistent record of campaigning on human rights issues in Zimbabwe, going back more than 40 years.

This Amnesty International mission comes at a critical juncture in Zimbabwe's history, nine months after the adoption of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and four months after the setting up of the inclusive government, following a decade of political crisis marked by high levels of human rights violations. The purpose of the Amnesty International mission has been to assess the human rights situation and the commitment of the government to end human rights abuses and bring about reforms in line with the GPA, and to make recommendations to the government and to the international community on the way forward.

Zimbabwe's progress on human rights 'woefully slow'

Keith Rimstad — 2009-06-22T19:39:17+01:00

"The human rights situation in Zimbabwe is precarious, and the socio-economic conditions are desperate for the vast majority of Zimbabweans," said Irene Khan, Amnesty International Secretary General, ending a six-day high level mission to Zimbabwe, during which she met with senior government ministers, human rights activists and victims of human rights violations.

“Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with the failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the top leadership of Zimbabwe.”

More needed to end violations in Zimbabwe after 100 days

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-28T15:19:59+01:00

Exactly 100 days have passed since the inauguration of the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe. The inauguration brought hope of change, but human rights violations targeted at human rights and political activists persist.

Amnesty International is urging the new government to rein in state agents and government officials who continue to order human rights violations and to restore the rule of law.

Zimbabwe: Investigate alleged enforced disappearances

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-28T15:10:29+01:00

Between October and December 2008, approximately thirty people were victims of enforced disappearances in Zimbabwe. Twenty-three of them were later ‘discovered’ at various police stations in and around Harare on 22 and 23 December. However, Morgan Tsvangirai’s faction of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) claims that seven people, who were allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance at the same time, have never been found. Their whereabouts remain unknown. Amnesty International is extremely concerned about their safety.

Take Action

Remaining political prisoners freed in Zimbabwe

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-05-14T19:39:18+01:00

The remaining three of 18 political and human rights activists who were re-detained in Zimbabwe last week have all been released on bail.

Kisimusi Emmanuel (Chris) Dhlamini, Andrison Shadreck Manyere and Gandi Mudzingwa were freed by the High Court of Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

The three men were in hospital, two of them being treated for injuries sustained as a result of torture by state security agents, when they were granted bail.

They were among at least 30 victims of enforced disappearances that took place between October and December 2008.

Twenty-three of them, including the three men released on Wednesday, were later ‘discovered’ at various police stations in and around Harare on 22 and 23 December. The police, rather than arrest their abductors, unlawfully detained the victims of the enforced disappearances.

Seven people, whom the Movement of Democratic Change (MDC) - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s faction - claim were also abducted at the same time, have never been found.

Read more

Zimbabwean human rights and political activists released

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-12T20:09:58+01:00

Issued 6 May 2009

Fifteen of the eighteen Zimbabwean human rights and political activists who were re-detained yesterday have now been released on bail, though three remain in custody.

Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a leading human rights organisation in Zimbabwe, and fourteen others were released this afternoon after spending one night in custody.

However, Kisimusi Chris Dhlamini, Shadreck Andrison Manyere and Gandhi Mudzingwa were not granted bail, apparently because their case was more complicated as they were allegedly found in possession of explosives.

Amnesty International repeated its call for the prompt and fair trial of those who remain in custody and for the state to drop the charges of all former prisoners of conscience, including Jestina Mukoko.

Zimbabwe: Human rights and political activists back in detention

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-06T15:27:06+01:00

Issued 5 May 2009

Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release or prompt and fair trial of 18 human rights and political activists detained today, just two months after they were released from prison after having been tortured.

The group of 18 detainees includes Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, a leading human rights organisation in Zimbabwe. All are accused of plotting to topple the previous government.

“Jestina Mukoko is being detained solely for her legitimate human rights work,” said Veronique Aubert, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Programme.

“She should be immediately and unconditionally released and the politically-motivated charges against her should be dropped.”

Zimbabwean teachers working in fear

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-06T15:24:01+01:00

Issued 1 May 2009

Despite the creation of a power-sharing government in February 2009, teachers in Zimbabwe continue to be victims of harassment and intimidation.

They are being threatened with violence by supporters of ZANU-PF, President Robert Mugabe's political party. Teachers who spoke to Amnesty International in March 2009 expressed serious concerns about working in an environment in which they fear for their safety.

Many teachers were targeted during the 2008 elections, particularly those working in rural schools, and fear that they will be especially vulnerable in future elections, scheduled to take place in 2010.

Zimbabwean authorities continue persecution of political activists

Keith Rimstad — 2009-05-06T15:08:38+01:00

29 April 2009

The authorities in Zimbabwe have continued their persecution of two officials of the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini have been detained under armed police guard in a Harare hospital since 20 April, despite having been released on bail on 17 April.

The two men are receiving medical treatment at the Avenues Clinic in Harare following alleged torture by Zimbabwean security agents. On Monday, their lawyers made an urgent High Court application to remove the armed police guards posted at the hospital.

Amnesty International has written to the Zimbabwean authorities calling for the immediately withdrawal of the armed police.

Last of activists abducted in December released by Zimbabwe's authorities

Keith Rimstad — 2009-04-22T15:55:29+01:00

20 April 2009

The last three political prisoners who were abducted by state agents in Zimbabwe in December 2008 were released on bail on Friday. Kisimusi Dhlamini, Andrison Manyere and Gandhi Mudzingwa were among more than 30 human rights and political activists who were victims of enforced disappearances and subsequent illegal detention.

They were in detention for more than four months. Both Kisimusi Dhlamini and Gandhi Mudzingwa were among those who were tortured by state agents. Amnesty International who condemned the abductions gave the releases a conditional welcome.

"Their release is long overdue and it means that they can finally begin the difficult process of dealing with the trauma of being the victims of such severe violations,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s expert on Zimbabwe. "Hopefully, this is the last we see of this kind of activity by Zimbabwe's authorities."

Zimbabwe: Independence Day � time for action, not just words

Keith Rimstad — 2009-04-22T15:42:13+01:00

Media Release April 17,2009

As Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate its Independence Day tomorrow, Amnesty International warned that continuing human rights abuses by elements within the government risk undermining the inclusive government.

“Certain elements within the government are ordering human rights abuses and the government doesn’t seem to be willing or able to do anything to stop them,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s expert on Zimbabwe.

The organization expressed particular concern about the continued detention of three political detainees more than four months after their abduction by state security agents. They face charges widely believed to be fabricated by the previous government.

Zimbabwe activists including Jestina Mukoko bailed

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-03-08T15:10:35+01:00

Zimbabwean prisoners of conscience Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira have been released after spending about three months in Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare.

Both were victims of enforced disappearance, unlawful arrest, detention, and torture by state security agents. They were released on Saturday, after each paying US$600 bail and depositing surety of at least US$20,000 in title deeds. A third man, Fidelis Chiramba was also released. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

Ten other detainees were granted bail. Four are likely to be released shortly. The other six will remain in custody because they are unable to present title deeds as part of the bail requirements.

Three other detainees, Andrison Manyere, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini were denied bail. [more]

On Tuesday, the High Court in Harare dismissed the state’s application opposing granting bail to Roy Bennett, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) treasurer general who was arrested by police in February. The MDC is anxious to see whether the state will comply with the court order.

"While welcoming news about the release of Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira and Fidelis Charamba and the granting of bail of 11 other political detainees, we also call on the Zimbabwean government to immediately end persecution of human rights defenders and political activists," said Veronique Aubert, Deputy Programme Director for Amnesty International’s Africa Programme.

More than a dozen detainees remain in custody in Zimbabwe and they seem to have all been arrested simply for exercising their rights to freedom of association and expression.

"The Zimbabwean authorities should ensure that all those who remain in detention are not tortured or otherwise ill-treated, but are treated in compliance with human rights standards governing the treatment of detainees," said Veronique Aubert.

"The detainees must have access to their lawyers, their families, warm clothing and blankets, adequate food and any medical attention they may require."

Jestina Mukoko was abducted from her home by armed state security agents, at around 5am on 3 December 2008. Her whereabouts were unknown until 23 December.

Ms Mukoko, the director of human rights organization the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), appeared in a Harare court on 24 December 2008 and she has stated in her affidavit that she was tortured by her abductors.

Fellow ZPP member Broderick Takawira, along with Pascal Gonzo was abducted from the ZPP offices in the suburb of Mt Pleasant in Harare on 8 December by a group of armed security agents who forced entry into the organisation’s premises.

Jestina Mukoko is in hospital receiving treatment and her release gives hope that the other remaining detainees may also be released.

Before these releases, at least 30 people were believed to still be in custody following a wave of abductions that started at the end of October 2008.

The state repeatedly failed to comply with orders from the courts for their release, and initially denied having taken the detainees.

It is believed that these arrests are part of a wider strategy by Zimbabwean security forces and other state authorities to silence critics and political opponents.

Good News! Political detainees in Zimbabwe released

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-03-08T14:59:30+01:00

Three political detainees in Zimbabwe have been released, and many more have been granted bail. Fidelis Chiramba, aged 72, has been released, through he remains in hospital receiving treatment. The conditions of his bail were the payment of US$600, the surrendering of his passport and his provision of a surety of title deeds valued at least US$20,000. Broderick Takawira was also granted bail under the same conditions and released. Jestina Mukoko, prominent activist for the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), was granted bail under the same conditions and is receiving medical treatment. No further action is required to free Jestina Mukoko. Many thanks to all those who took part in the actions to free them!

Some activists have been granted bail but have yet to make the US$600 deposit required for their release. They are likely to be released after making these deposits. These activists include: Mapfumo Garutsa, Chinoto Mukwezaramba Zulu, Regis Mujeyi, Zacharia Nkomo, Concilia Chinanzvavana, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana, Pieta Kaseke, Audrey Zimbudzana, Violet Mupfuranhehwe and Collin Mutemagawo.

Roy Bennett, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate and Treasurer-General of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was granted bail by the High Court of Zimbabwe on 3 March, but he has remained in custody pending the state appeal to the Supreme Court. At least six other political detainees also remain in custody: Fanwell Tembo, Lloyd Tarumbwa, Terry Musona, Andrison Manyere, Gandhi Mudzingwa, and Kisimusi Dhlamini.

Take Action:
Write letters to the Officers-in-Charge of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and Chikurubi Female Prison expressing concern about the welfare of the political detainees held in their custody and asking them to:

Ensure that those who remain in detention are not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment.
Guarantee that all detainees are given access to a lawyer and their families.
Provide detainees with access to adequate food and medical treatment.

Write To:
Officers-in-Charge
Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and Female Prison
Chikurubi Prison Complex
Private Bag 7392, Greendale
Harare
Zimbabwe

Messages of solidarity can also be sent directly to those still in custody at Chikurubi Prison.

Urgent Action: Fear of Torture and Ill-treatment of Political Activists

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-02-17T16:54:20+01:00

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activists Fidelis Chiramba, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini have been charged with recruiting youth to undergo military training and the bombing of police states and railways. The men appear to be victims of a pattern of harassment and intimidation of political opponents by President Mugabe’s government.

Chiramba, age 72, is currently suffering from heart failure and injuries that seem to be the result of torture. Though a court order was issued on 30 January asking that he be examined by a doctor, it was not until 12 February that Mr. Chiramba was admitted to Avenues Clinic, where he is guarded by staff from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and shackled to his hospital bed.

Gandhi Mudzingwa is a former personal assistant to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, and is suffering from dangerously high blood pressure which could lead to a stroke. He was admitted to hospital on 12 February, and is also shackled to his bed and guarded heavily.

A third MDC activist, Kisimusi Dhlamini, is still being held at Chikurubi Prison despite the fact that a court order has demanded that he be admitted to hospital. He is reportedly suffering from injuries consistent with beatings on the soles of the feet, a form of torture that can result in the amputation of the feet if not adequately treated. [more]

Take Action:

Please write to the Officer-in-Charge at Chikurubi Prison:
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Kisimusi Dhlamini so that he can receive medical treatment
Calling for assurances that Fidelis Chiramba and Gandhi Mudzingwa will be permitted access to all necessary medical treatment and will not be returned to prison
Urging the prison authorities to treat all detainees in accordance with internationally guaranteed standards for the treatment of all people in custody, in particular Rule 22(2) of the UN Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners, which requires prison officials to transfer sick prisoners who require specialist treatment to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals.

Write To:
Officer in Charge – Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison
Chikurubi Prison Complex
Private Bag 7392
Greendale
Harare
Zimbabwe
Salutation: Dear Officer-in-Charge

Further Background:
There about 27 prisoners of conscience and other political detainees being held at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. The detainees are victims of a wave of abductions that started in October 2008. Despite court orders compelling the Zimbabwean authorities to take the detainees to court, the authorities have previously repeatedly frustrated efforts for the detainees to access medical care.

Following the signing of a power-sharing agreement in September 2008, the Zimbabwean constitution was amended by parliament on 5 February to create way for the establishment of a unity government.

In February, the parties also created the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC), which is responsible for monitoring and implementing the agreement. JOMIC is made up of 12 members - 4 members each from President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF and the two formations of the MDC. It has three co-chairpersons and Professor Welshman Ncube is the Chair for the month of February. As part of its duties, the Committee must determine complaints of breaches to the agreement such as the continued detention of political detainees.

Zimbabwe: AU and UN should immediately send human rights monitors

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-02-17T16:42:23+01:00

Photo Credit: Radio Dialogue roadshow, Bulawayo, 2008. Radio Dialogue is a non-profit making community radio station aspiring to broadcast to the community of Bulawayo and surrounding areas. ©Radio Dialogue

Amnesty International has called on the African Union and the United Nations to send monitors to investigate human rights violations committed by Zimbabwe’s security forces during the current transitional period. This follows the arrest of human rights activists and Roy Bennett, a prominent Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) politician.

“A number of events that have taken place since the swearing in of a new government in Zimbabwe suggest that there is a force within the Zimbabwean security forces, that continues ordering violations of human rights as a method of dealing with people they do not like,” said Simeon Mawanza Amnesty International’s Zimbabwe expert.

On 14 February police in Bulawayo arrested 10 activists after they participated in a peaceful protest. Seven women from the activist organisation Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and three men from Radio Dialogue are being held at Bulawayo Central police station. One of the women in custody is a breast-feeding mother and has been separated from her child which is now in the care of relatives. They have not been charged and their lawyer has been denied access. [more]

The organization’s call also follows the arrest of MDC politician, Roy Bennett, on Friday 13 February at an airpo rt in Harare by police officers from the Law and Order Section of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Roy Bennett is being held at Mutare Central police station and is being charged under section 61 of the repressive Public Order and Security Act: conspiring to acquire arms with a view to disrupting essential services. Police are reported to have applied and obtained an order to detain him for another 48 hours. Roy Bennett is meant to be sworn in as Deputy Agriculture Minister some time this week.

“The arrest of Roy Bennett, a high profile figure, on what appear to be politically motivated charges reveals the level of challenges facing the unity government and demonstrates the urgent need to have an international presence to oversee the transitional process,” said Simeon Mawanza.

Police have failed to take Roy Bennett and the Bulawayo activists to court today. The detainees are likely to spend more time in custody.

“Amnesty International considers all those arrested for exercising their internationally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest and freedom of association to be prisoners of conscience and therefore calls for their immediate and unconditional release,” said Simeon Mawanza.

Background:
The names of the women activists from WOZA who are being held at Bulawayo Central police station are: Barbara Bepe, Patience Mpofu, Praise Mlangeni, Gladys Dube, Shingirai Mupani, Virginia Sithole, and Peace Mthethwa. Three men from Radio Dialogue, Thandazani Nkomo, Zenzele Ndebele and Oscar Hungwe, were also arrested at the same time.

Radio Dialogue is a non-profit making community radio station aspiring to broadcast to the community of Bulawayo and surrounding areas. It aims to provide a channel for debate and information sharing on economic, political, social, cultural and developmental issues. Radio Dialogue has been denied a licence by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe. While it awaits the time that community broadcasters such as Radio Dialogue are granted licences, it functions as a recording and production studio so that when such a time comes it is immediately ready to go on air.

Amnesty International Delivers Roses for WOZA!!

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-02-13T21:46:11+01:00

Photo Credit: Amnesty International members and supporters in front of the Zimbabwean Embassy in Ottawa, February 12, 2009. Jim Mackinnon, Oxfam Canada at bottom left, Senator Consiglio Di Nino at front, centre and Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada at far right.

Despite the rain, Amnesty International members and supporters came out to the Zimbabwean embassy in Ottawa yesterday morning to show solidarity with Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).

The Canadian public donated 330 fair-trade roses and signed over 400 cards calling for an end to the oppression of activists in Zimbabwe. These were delivered to the Zimbabwean Embassy on February 12, 2009 in advance of Valentine's Day.

Amnesty International Secretary-General, Alex Neve, Jim Mackinnon from Oxfam Canada and Senator Consiglio Di Nino all spoke at the event about WOZA’s extreme bravery in the face of arbitrary detainment, torture, and harassment.

Amnesty International would like to thank all those who donated, signed petitions and came out to the event!

Help Amnesty deliver Roses for WOZA to the Zimbabwean Embassy!

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-02-10T20:55:32+01:00

Every Valentine’s Day, members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) hand out paper roses on the streets of Zimbabwe. These roses represent the respect that they deserve, but are not receiving, from their government. This year, Amnesty International Canada is asking all those concerned with human rights to call for an end to the oppression of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe.

WOZA is a group of 35, 000 women's human rights defenders across Zimbabwe that use peaceful protest to demand access to education, food, and health care, and an end to the oppression of activists. WOZA members are often arbitrarily detained, and subjected to physical and psychological harassment and torture.

For Valentine's Day, hundreds of Canadians have signed personalized cards that express their desire for peace and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe. These cards, along with over 300 fair-trade roses, will be delivered to the Zimbabwean embassy to express the desire of people around the world for human rights for all in Zimbabwe.

Join Amnesty International and Oxfam Canada at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Ottawa (332 Somerset Street West) at 10AM on Thursday, February 12th, 2009. Members of the public are invited to attend!

Take part in our online action for WOZA at: http://www.amnesty.ca/urgentappeal/2009/woza/email/index.html.

Zimbabwe: Put human rights at the top of the political agenda

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-02-10T20:46:41+01:00

As the Zimbabwean political parties finalise the process of setting up a new government, Amnesty International challenges the new regime to demonstrate a commitment to human rights in its first 100 days in power.

Amnesty International has issued a five point human rights agenda for the new government to implement as its first steps to address Zimbabwe’s legacy of impunity for human rights violations.

“For nearly a decade the people of Zimbabwe have endured immense suffering as a result of the government’s policies against perceived opponents. It is against this background that we are calling on President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai to take concrete steps to demonstrate their government’s commitment to internationally recognized human rights,” said Simeon Mawanza Amnesty International’s Zimbabwe expert.

“The deteriorating economic and social conditions must also be a priority for this government. The people of Zimbabwe urgently need food, housing, essential health care, safe drinking water, sanitation and education,” said Simeon Mawanza. “If the government is unable to deliver these basic necessities, it will have to seek international cooperation and assistance and remove unnecessary restrictions.”

Amnesty International also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Prisoners of Conscience, Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira and Pascal Gonzo. These three human rights workers have been in custody since early December when they were abducted by state security agents. The organization also expressed concern over the continued ill-treatment of political detainees, like Fidelis Chiramba of the MDC, who is reported to be in urgent need of hospitalization.

Read the Five Point Human Rights Agenda for the Inclusive Government.

Editors’ notes
On 5 February the Parliament of Zimbabwe passed Amendment No. 19 to the Constitution which allows the setting up of an “Inclusive Government”. According to a timeline agreed by both parties, Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC will be sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister on 11 February together with two Deputy Prime Ministers. Other members of the cabinet and deputy ministers will be sworn in on 13 February.

At least 30 political detainees are known to be in custody at present. These include the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Jestina Mukoko, two members of her staff and more than two dozen MDC activists abducted between October and December 2008. The state has been accused of torture and has repeatedly frustrated efforts by the detainees to get access to much needed health care.

AI says failure of African leadership is prolonging the Zimbabwe human rights crisis

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-01-14T18:21:21+01:00

Amnesty International harshly criticized the African Union’s (AU) lack of action on Zimbabwe, as detained Zimbabwean human rights activist Jestina Mukoko appeared in a court in Harare today after having been tortured.

“Ongoing arrests of human rights and political activists appear to be part of a wider strategy to silence critics of the government, and the AU needs to make a strong statement that this is unacceptable to African leadership,” said Veronique Aubert, Deputy Programme Director for Amnesty International’s Africa Program.

Amnesty International called on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release prisoners of conscience Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira and Pascal Gonzo, and to initiate a prompt, independent and effective investigation into their arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention and claims that Broderick Takawira and Pascal Gonzo were also tortured by members of the security forces.

The three members of the Zimbabwe Peace Project have spent more than a month in custody since their abduction in early December. [more]

“We are concerned about the role being played by various authorities, including the office of the Attorney General, to protect the alleged abductors from being identified and held accountable for the abduction and reported torture of the detainees,” said Veronique Aubert.

Amnesty International also called for the dozens of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activists who have been held in custody since the end of October 2008 to either be charged and promptly tried in a fair trial or be released immediately. Lawyers of the detainees have repeatedly been denied access to their clients.

“African leaders have squandered numerous opportunities to end the persecution of government critics in Zimbabwe,” said Veronique Aubert.

“They continue to be deaf to cries for help and have chosen to be unmoved by ongoing evidence of human suffering in the country – including the appearance in court today of one of the country’s strongest voices for human rights.”

“The silence of African leaders and their failure to condemn the government’s blatant disregard for human rights has significantly contributed to the prolongation of the Zimbabwean human rights crisis.”

In the run up to the AU summit, scheduled to take place later this month in Addis Ababa, Amnesty International called for the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to publicly denounce the persecution of government critics by Zimbabwe’s state security agents.

The organisation also called on the AU to deploy human rights monitors in Zimbabwe to investigate all allegations of human rights abuses.

“The Zimbabwean authorities are clearly committing grave human rights violations in an attempt to silence critics and political opponents. The AU should immediately call for an end to human rights violations by the security forces and decide to deploy human rights monitors,” said Veronique Aubert. “Such a measure will go a long way towards preventing further human rights violations and investigate past abuses.”

Notes to editors:
At least 27 people are believed to be in custody following a wave of abductions that started at the end of October 2008. Most of the detainees have been denied access to their lawyers, family and medical treatment for prolonged periods. Zimbabwean authorities have repeatedly failed to comply with court orders to release the detainees and initially denied having taken the detainees.

Jestina Mukoko is the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) a leading human rights organisation responsible for monitoring and documenting human rights violations in Zimbabwe. She was abducted by state security agents from her home at around 5.00 am on 3 December 2008. Her whereabouts were unknown until 23 December.

Ms Mukoko was held and interrogated at various unidentified detention facilities following her abduction. Every time she was moved from one facility to another she was blindfolded. Throughout her detention she was in solitary confinement.

During interrogations she was forced to place her feet on the table and was beaten on the soles of her feet with a rubber object. On one occasion, the interrogators spread gravel on the floor, on which she was forced to kneel while the interrogation continued. Throughout her torture, Ms Mukoko vehemently denied interrogators’ allegations that she and others were involved in the recruitment of youths to undergo military training to take up arms against the state.

The interrogators also demanded information about her meeting with the Elders – Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, human rights activist Graca Machel and former US President Jimmy Carter. They accused her of being “too influential”.

Broderick Takawira and Pascal Gonzo were abducted from the ZPP offices in the suburb of Mt Pleasant in Harare on 8 December. They were abducted by about six men who forced entry into the organisation’s premises.

Others still detained by the Zimbabwean authorities include:

MDC activists, including 14 adults and a two-year-old baby who were abducted late October and early November 2008 in Mashonaland West and Chitungwiza.
Mr Andrison Shadreck Manyere, who was abducted on 13 December in Norton. Mr Manyere is a freelance journalist and a former MDC-T activist.
Other detainees may be held various detention facilities Harare including police stations

URGENT Action for Detained Activists

Lindsay Mossman — 2009-01-08T19:15:37+01:00

Jestina Mukoko, the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), is being held at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare. Broderick Takawira, a provincial coordinator of the ZPP, who was abducted on 8 December 2008, and other detainees including around 30 human rights activists and activists from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), who were abducted between October and December 2008, are also now known to be held at various detention facilities in Harare. The Zimbabwean authorities have repeatedly failed to comply with court orders to release them. Amnesty International considers Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira to be prisoners of conscience, held in violation of their rights to freedom of expression and association.

On 5 January 2009 a High Court judge in Harare ruled that police must comply with an earlier High Court order for Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira, and the MDC activists to be taken to a hospital to receive a medical examination and treatment, following allegations that they were tortured while they were in custody. The police have not yet complied with these orders.

Jestina Mukoko, who was abducted from her home on 3 December 2008, was left by her “abductors” at Matapi Police Station on 23 December 2008. Police had previously denied arresting her and had told the High Court in Harare that they were treating the case as a kidnapping.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper has reported that Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira, together with eight of the detained MDC activists, were to be charged with “recruiting or attempting to recruit people for the purposes of undergoing military training to overthrow the Government.” It is not clear whether they have now been formally charged. The accusations against the activists are widely believed to be fabricated. [more]

Take Action: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

urging the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira whom Amnesty International considers to be prisoners of conscience;
calling for the 30 detained human rights and MDC activists abducted between October and December 2008 to be either charged or released immediately and unconditionally;
stating concern over the reported torture of Jestina Mukoko and other detainees in custody;
calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to ensure that all those in their custody are treated according to internationally agreed standards for the treatment of persons in state custody including guaranteeing their freedom from torture and other ill-treatment;
expressing concern that the Zimbabwean authorities are undermining the decisions of the High Court in order to facilitate the continuation of human rights violations;
urging the Attorney General of Zimbabwe and to investigate allegations of unlawful arrest, unlawful detention and reported torture of all the detainees including Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira.

Write To:

Attorney General of Zimbabwe
Mr Johannes Tomana
Office of the Attorney General
Private Bag 7714
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax:            011 263 4 777 049
Salutation:     Dear Attorney General

Copies To:

Her Excellency Florence Zano Chideya
Ambassador for Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0J9
Fax:   (613) 563-8269
Email:   zimembassy@zimembassy-can.org

Zimbabwe Peace Project
PO Box BE 427
Belvedere
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax:    011 263 4 778311

Further Information:
The abduction, unlawful arrest and detention of the human rights workers and MDC activists is consistent with a pattern of human rights violations documented by Amnesty International since March 2007 when 32 MDC activists were arrested and charged with bombing police stations. The activists were allegedly tortured and denied access to their lawyers. The charges against the MDC activists were later dropped.

The practice of unlawful arrest and detention is one of the established tactics employed by the Zimbabwean authorities to intimidate and harass critics. The ZPP is one of the leading organisations in Zimbabwe involved in monitoring and documenting human rights violations, including state-sponsored beatings, torture and killings in the run-up to the 27 June elections.

Human rights defenders in Zimbabwe operate in a very restrictive environment. They face repeated arrests, torture and ill-treatment, intimidation and harassment by state security forces and other non-state actors aligned to President Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front.

Amnesty International documented several cases of enforced disappearances similar to that of Jestina Mukoko last year. Some of the victim's bodies were later found dumped. The Zimbabwean authorities have been unwilling to investigate these cases of enforced disappearances, including politically motivated killings of human rights defenders and political activists.

Zimbabwe: International Organizations call for an end to abductions of activists

Susanne Ure — 2008-12-10T21:13:24+01:00

With three human rights defenders abducted in less than one week by people suspected of working on behalf of the Zimbabwean authorities, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Open Society Institute called today for an immediate halt to abductions and for the abductees to be freed immediately.

The human rights groups came together to call on regional and international organizations to take strong action to protect those who fight for human rights in Zimbabwe. The abduction of activists is taking place at a time when the country is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, including a cholera outbreak and severe food shortages for which the government is seeking international help.

“Behind the political crisis and health emergency, there is a worsening human rights crisis in Zimbabwe, with the most recent development being this unprecedented spate of abduction of human rights defenders,” said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “This shows the audacity of a regime that is desperate to stay in power, no matter what the cost. The only way out of this problem is through unified pressure from outside, in particular of African leaders.”

News Release

Zimbabwe: Authorities must guarantee the safety of Jestina Mukoko

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-12-03T18:40:26+01:00

The Zimbabwean authorities must immediately disclose the whereabouts of human rights activist Jestina Mukoko, who was abducted from her home at dawn today by a group of armed plain-clothes men who identified themselves as policemen, Amnesty International said today.

"The abduction or arrest of Jestina Mukoko is part of an established pattern of harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders by Zimbabwean authorities in an attempt to discourage them from documenting and publicising the violations that are taking place," said Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International's Africa programme director.

Jestina Mukoko is the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), a local human rights organisation that is involved in monitoring and documenting human rights violations in Zimbabwe. Today, at around 5am local time, a group of at least 12 men stormed her home in Norton, South of the capital, Harare, and took her by force while still barefoot and dressed in pyjamas. An eyewitness told Amnesty International that the men then drove off in two cars, one of which did not have registration plates. [more]

On Saturday 29 November, about six men, believed to be part of the same group, tried to enter her house during her absence after claiming to be workmates, according to the same eyewitness.

ZPP produces periodic reports on the human rights situation in the country, compiled through a network of community based human rights defenders.

"We hold the Zimbabwean authorities responsible for anything that may happen to Jestina Mukoko. She should be released immediately and while in detention the authorities should guarantee her safety and ensure that she has access to a lawyer and family, as well as food, warm clothes and medication," said Erwin van der Borght.

The organization has also received information that several trade unionists, including the Secretary General of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Mr Raymond Majongwe and a journalist working for a South African broadcaster, have been arrested in Harare today. Amnesty International fears that the authorities may have launched a new campaign to silence human rights activists in the wake of today's protest action by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.

Background
On Thursday 27 November three members of staff of the ZPP were arrested by police in Budiriro (a low income suburb of Harare) at a clinic offering treatment to cholera victims. Police initially threatened to charge them under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Official Secrets Act. They were later charged with criminal nuisance and made to pay a fine of Z$20 and released on Saturday 29 November.

Zimbabwe: Power-sharing agreement must not compromise human rights

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-11-10T17:10:34+01:00

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe signed a power-sharing agreement with the Movement for Democratic Change’s leaders on Monday, 15 September 2008 in an attempt to resolve the political crisis that has been developing since 2000 and escalated sharply in the last six months. Amnesty International has said that the validity of the deal would be seriously compromised if it includes amnesties or pardons that prevent human rights violators being brought to justice, the emergence of the truth, and full reparations to victims.

Take Action: Write to the Police Commissioner-General calling for a full investigation into human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

Update: WOZA Members Williams and Mahlangu Released!

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-11-07T19:06:12+01:00

After three weeks in custody, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were finally freed today. Although they had been denied bail by Magistrate Charity Maphosa on October 27th, after several delays in the bail hearing, Judge Ndhou of the Zimbabwean High Court overrode this ruling on November 5th. Bail was set at Z$200,000 (USD$1.50), and although Jenni and Magodonga were not able to return home on November 5th due to administrative delays, the WOZA support team was able to collect them on November 6th.

Jenni and Magodonga reported poor prison conditions, including lice, infrequent access to food, and public humiliation, as female prisoners were required to strip for inspection by male police officers. However, they are in good spirits, fair health, and would like to thank all those who campaigned for their release.

Zimbabwe: Victims of violence can no longer wait for political solution

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-11-04T19:43:03+01:00

Photo Credit: A group of people who claim that they were beaten by government supporters, April 2008. © AP Photo.

Amnesty International recently released a report that documents the ongoing suffering of the Zimbabwean people, as the three main political parties in Zimbabwe struggle to form an inclusive government.

“Every day that passes without a political solution, the living conditions for ordinary Zimbabweans become more and more desperate,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s Zimbabwe expert, speaking from Johannesburg.

The Amnesty International report, Zimbabwe – Time for Accountability, examines the impact of the post-election violence on the victims and makes recommendations to all parties participating in the current political talks on how to break the cycle of impunity that has plagued the country for decades.

Read the News Release

Read the Report: Zimbabwe – Time for Accountability

Urgent: WOZA activists denied bail on October 27

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-10-17T21:25:22+01:00

Photo Credit: Women of Zimbabwe Arise Valentine’s Day protest, Harare, Zimbabwe, 14 February 2007. WOZA

On October 16th in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, almost 200 members of the human rights organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) took to the streets to demand immediate access to much needed food aid in Zimbabwe. Although the protest was peaceful, police dispersed the demonstration using unnecessary force.

WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu have been charged with “disturbing the peace, security, or order of the public.” The Magistrate Court in Bulawayo remanded the two women in custody until 21 October, when their bail hearing took place without them being present. The state alleged that there was no transport to take them to the bail hearing. The court then decided to reserve judgment on the bail application until 24 October. On that date, however, the magistrate who was due to rule on the bail application apparently had to attend a workshop instead. The judgment was further delayed until October 27, when Williams and Mahlangu were denied bail.

Take Action: Call for the immediate release of Williams and Mahlangu.

View a Video about WOZA and the People's Charter

The government fiddles as Zimbabwe's children "starve, starve, starve"

Susanne Ure — 2008-10-15T12:48:58+01:00

Millions of words have been written or uttered in the mass media about Zimbabwe in the past few years. Many have focussed on the political machinations of the government. Relatively fewer have described the day-to-day material and psychological distress - the grinding poverty - experienced during this time by the people who call this country their home.

In 2006 the World Health Organization reported the average life expectancy of a woman in Zimbabwe to be 34 years, the lowest for women in any country, globally. For a man it was slightly higher at 37 years. And there were reasons for the descrepancy, but they hardly matter, because for the life of a human being to be entirely spent at 34 or 37 is equally unfathomable. A decade ago the life expectancy was 60 years. Three decades ago Zimbabwe was the breadbasket of Africa, producing abundant crops of maize, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, tea and sugar. Now it's in the grip of a deadly famine, with 5 million of its citizens sliding slowly and relentlessly into starvation. 80% of the population lives on little more than a dollar a day and nearly half are chronically malnourished.

Premature death is an inevitable consequence of the climate of deprivation that has been described by those who are living it, and those who have witnessed it first-hand, as chronic, grinding, de-humanizing, severe, exhausting, shocking, deadly, catastrophic, massive, disastrous, urgent, harrowing, sad, an emergency, a tragedy, and "another Ethiopia".

In Zimbabwe poverty is compounded and catalysed by an epidemic of HIV/AIDS, and by never-ending political turmoil.

The government adds to the burden of Zimbabweans' unfortunate citizenship by burning their houses, breaking their bones, dragging them out in the middle of the night to be politically indoctrinated, fostering a climate of widespread fear and intimidation, depriving them of education, basic nutrition, healthcare, liquidity, employment, respect and dignity. It blocks access to much needed humanitarian aid from outside its borders, and it murders and tortures those who advocate alternative political viewpoints. It demonstrates on a daily basis stupifying bad faith and indifference to the wellbeing of the nation.

Take a few minutes now to read the other sides of this story: of the desparate impact on young people and the anguish of those who've had to leave to survive. Read and admire the bloggers at This is Zimbabwe and Kubatana.net who bring the daily struggles for survival, and the extraordinary fortitude, ingenuity and vitality of the Zimbabwean people to life everyday, so that we can know who they are, in spite of every effort to silence them. This is what deserves our attention.

Agreement between ZANU-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change

Susanne Ure — 2008-09-16T19:19:32+01:00

Sokwanele at the blog This is Zimbabwe has published an easy-to-navigate version of the recently signed power-sharing agreement between the Zimbabwe's main political parties.

Read the Agreement

Zimbabwe: Agreement should not result in amnesties for human rights violators

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-09-12T17:55:14+01:00

Photo Credit: A Zimbabwean reads the newspaper The Herald in Harare on September 12, 2008 a day after the country's main political rivals endorsed a deal to pave the way for a power-sharing government. DESMOND KWANDE/AFP/Getty Images.

As the world waits to see the details of the agreement reached by leaders in Zimbabwe to end the political impasse since the March elections, Amnesty International today said the agreement’s validity would be seriously compromised if it includes amnesties or pardons that prevent human rights violators being brought to justice, the emergence of the truth, and full reparation to victims.

“Nothing should be agreed that would prevent the full emergence of the truth – and those responsible for the gross human rights violations that took place must be brought to justice,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s expert on Zimbabwe who recently returned from speaking to victims of violence in the country.

“The victims of human rights violations are demanding justice for the crimes they have suffered – and they deserve no less than that. It will be a great betrayal of these victims if national, regional and international leaders were to support pre-trial amnesties for perpetrators of human rights violations,” said Mawanza.

“Zimbabwe has clear obligations under international law – and they must not fail to fulfil those obligations, particularly in this critical point in their history.”

“Any durable solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe must have the respect and protection of human rights at its foundation,” said Mawanza.

News Release

WOZA counts the cost of their courage in a new report

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-08-20T20:38:07+01:00

Photo Credit: "Riot police arrive at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo after WOZA launched its People’s Charter on 29 November 2006. Moments after this photo had been taken, hundreds of women, men and babies were brutally assaulted. Dozens of adults and two babies were injured. Scores were also arrested and held for two nights."

On 19 August 2008 Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) launched a report detailing the experiences of trauma of their members. The launch took place in Johannesburg, South Africa with attendance by press, diplomats, civic society leaders and members of WOZA. The report is entitled “Counting the Cost of Courage: Trauma Experiences of Women Human Rights Defenders in Zimbabwe”.

In 2007 research was carried out to determine the nature and extent of violations perpetrated on WOZA members by state actors. It used a questionnaire administered verbally to more than 2,000 WOZA members. The major results showed a high level of arrests, assaults, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, primarily by members of various sections of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Read the Report: Counting the Cost of Courage: Trauma Experiences of Women Human Rights Defenders in Zimbabwe

Joint Statement: Africa stand up for Zimbabwe

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-08-20T16:14:23+01:00

African Human Rights Groups call on African leaders, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community to address the human rights situation in Zimbabwe:

We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe who continue to suffer severe violations of their human rights.

We recognise that attempts are being made by Zimbabwean political parties, the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the United Nations to address the political and economic situation. However, we are deeply concerned about the continuation of torture and other ill-treatment, and harassment and intimidation of political and human rights activists, even since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by political parties on 21 July.

We are also concerned that important questions of justice and impunity were not explicitly tackled in the MoU, suggesting that these issues will not be dealt with in the talks between the political parties.

We add our voices to the increasing number of civic and political leaders, activists and ordinary citizens in condemning the events in Zimbabwe which have brought untold suffering to its people. The ongoing political violence, suppression of fundamental human rights and the failure of governance which has directly contributed to the impoverishment of the people of Zimbabwe must be addressed now. [more]

The present government has brutally suppressed democratic dissent and persecuted political and human rights activists in callous disregard of the rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

We believe that the people and civil society of Zimbabwe must have the full support of the international community, in particular from African countries.

To this end, we call upon:

(i) African leaders at all levels – pan-African, regional and national – and their institutions to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately end serious human rights violations in the country and publicly denounce and call for the cessation of all political violence.

(ii) The African Union, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community, to take all necessary steps to address the human rights situation in Zimbabwe including by calling on Zimbabwe to allow the deployment of independent human rights monitors and to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the political violence.

(iii) The AU and SADC to urge the political leadership in Zimbabwe to seek a solution to the current political crisis in an inclusive process that embraces civil society, and in a spirit of reconciliation and dialogue. Nevertheless, no amnesties, pardons and similar measures should be granted that would prevent the emergence of the truth, a final judicial determination of guilt or non-guilt, and full reparations to victims and their families.

(iv) The AU and SADC to call on the Government of Zimbabwe to repeal restrictive legislation and practical impediments upon the functioning of the independent media that prevent people from exercising their right to freedom of expression, including accessing information. All restrictions which unduly constrain the activities and expression of independent civil society in Zimbabwe must also be withdrawn without delay.

Signed,
Amnesty International (Benin)
DITSHWANELO -The Botswana Centre for Human Rights (Botswana)
RESOCIDE: Civil Society Organisation Network for Development (Burkina Faso
Pan African Lawyers Union (Cameroon)
Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Egypt)
Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Service (Egypt
Bright Africa Youth Association (Egypt)
Media Foundation for West Africa (Ghana)
African Development Programme (Ghana)
FEMNET (Kenya)
Transformation Resource Centre (Lesotho)
Plain Truth (Liberia)
The Institute for Policy Interaction (Malawi)
Council for NGOs in Malawi (Malawi)
Amnesty International (Mauritius)
AMODE (Mozambique)
SAVANA (Mozambique)
Governance and Development Institute (Mozambique)
WLSA (Mozambique)
Forum for the Future (Namibia)
Legal Assistance Centre (Namibia)
PEACE (People's Education, Assistance & Counselling for Empowerment) (Namibia)
Nyae Nyae Development Foundation of Namibia (Namibia)
Namibia Development Trust (Namibia)
Namibia NGO Forum (Namibia)
Katutura Community Radio (Namibia)
Citizens for an Accountable and Transparent Society (Namibia)
Breaking The Wall of Silence Movement (Namibia)
CaCoPEd (Namibia)
Alliance for Credible Elections (Nigeria)
FACT (Rwanda)
Conseil de Concertation des Organisations d’Appui aux Initiatives de Base » (Rwanda)
Amnesty International (Senegal)
Association des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture (Senegal)
Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme (Senegal)
Le Comité Africain des Educateurs aux Droits Humains (Senegal)
West Africa Refugees and Internally Displaced People Network (Senegal)
Groupe Agora de Recherche pour l’Education aux Droits de l’Enfant et à la Paix (Senegal)
Africa Policy Issues (South Africa)
Conflict Resolution and Development (South Africa)
University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Civil Society (South Africa)
Institute for Security Studies-Cape Town (South Africa)
Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-Southern Africa) (South Africa)
International Crime in Africa Programme (ICAP) at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in South Africa (South Africa)
Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (South Africa)
Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (South Africa)
Tri-Continental Human Rights Film Festival (South Africa)
Meltwater News (South Africa)
CANGO (South Africa)
Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organizations (South Africa)
Southern Africa Human Rights NGO Network (SAHRiNGON) (Tanzania)
Legal and Human Rights Centre (Tanzania)
Tanzania Network of women Living with HIV and AIDS positive woman (Tanzania)
Women Wake Up (WOWAP) (Tanzania)
Tushiriki-Mbeya (Tanzania)
Orphans and Vulnerable Children Care Centre (Tanzania)
East Africa Law Society (Tanzania)
Children Dignity Forum (Tanzania)
Matumaini Mapya (Tanzania)
Concern for Development Initiatives in Africa (Tanzania)
Amnesty International (Togo)
Carrefour de Dévéloppement (Togo)
Regard Sur l'Humanité (Togo)
RENAAL (Togo)
EJUBES (Togo)
Dimension Sociale Togo (Togo)
CIFRAD (Togo)
HURINET (Uganda)
The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (Uganda)
Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations (Uganda)
Uganda National NGO Forum (Uganda)
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (Uganda)
Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (Uganda)
International Council on Social welfare (Uganda)
East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (Uganda)
The Southern African coordinator Legal Assistance Network (Zambia)
True Christian Youth Outreach of Zambia (Zambia)

Zimbabwe: Climate of fear persists despite deal; violence must not be pardoned

Susanne Ure — 2008-07-24T19:06:32+01:00

Photo: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (L) shakes hands with Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai on July 21, 2008 after the signing of a deal between Zimbabwe's opposition and ruling party, paving the way for full-scale talks. DESMOND KWANDE/AFP/Getty Images

As the Zimbabwean government and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) prepare to enter power-sharing talks, Amnesty International called on both parties to ensure there are no pardons for those who committed human rights violations in the post-election period.

“There can be no lasting political solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe without addressing past human rights violations. While human rights violations must end immediately, investigations must be carried out and alleged perpetrators brought to justice,” said Amnesty International.

Amnesty International continues to receive reports of ongoing political violence and harassment, particularly in rural areas. Even since the signing of Monday’s ‘memorandum of understanding’ by the ruling party and opposition, victims of political violence have had to seek medical treatment for injuries sustained in attacks.

News Release

New Volunteer Opportunity: Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) Coordinator

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-07-21T13:03:04+01:00

Amnesty International is seeking a volunteer WOZA Coordinator to provide support for the WOZA Long-Term Action groups in their campaigning. Responsibilities include maintaining an email list, distributing relevant materials on WOZA and human rights in Zimbabwe, and assisting the Zimbabwe Coordinator with media work, lobbying and outreach and collaborative work with other NGOs. Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: lmossman@amnesty.ca

Application deadline: 15 August 2008. For more information, go to: http://www.amnesty.ca/take_action/opportunities/woza_coordinator.php

Zimbabwe: Police fail to protect civilians and human rights defenders in the post-election period

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-07-10T22:26:35+01:00

Photo Credit: Zimbabwe police patrol on the streets of Harare on June 23, 2008, near the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) offices. STR/AFP/Getty Images

The Zimbabwe Republic Police are supposed to provide security and protection to all Zimbabweans, and to ensure that anyone who has committed human rights abuses is held accountable. Instead, the police have actually contributed to the violation of people’s rights by not taking action to end the violence, and allowing killings, torture, assault, and the burning of homes and businesses of the former opposition party MDC to continue.

Take Action!

Vancouver Event Notice: Come see the play that has been banned in Zimbabwe!

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-07-09T19:08:11+01:00

Photo Credit: A scene in a performance of the play "Super Patriots and Morons" in Sweden.

Super Patriots and Morons is a political satire about a ruling government political party and its despotic leader, and is set in a country suffering from severe food shortages, fuel and food queues coupled with a repressive government infamous for using the state security to silence dissenting voices.

After several performances in Zimbabwe it was banned in that country, but has toured other countries in Africa and throughout Europe. In 2007 it was short-listed for the Amnesty International UK Freedom of Expression Award.

The Vancouver production will be directed by Pasi Gunguwo and features Jean-Pierre Makosso as the President of the Super Patriots – the ruling party, and Carlos Joe Costa as Bazooka, the president's right hand man. Other cast members include Ezeadi Patrick Onokwulu, Tendai Mpofu, and Ruth Akefa Azu. Executive producer is Don Wright and the associate producer and stage manager is Jenny Craig.

Dates: Friday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9

Location: Frederic Wood Theatre at UBC, 6354 Crescent Road, Vancouver

Time: 7:30 pm

Tickets are $15 in advance for general admission, $10 for students, seniors, and underemployed persons, and may be reserved by calling 604-294-5160 or by e-mail to pro@amnesty.ca. Tickets at the door $20 general, $10 for students, seniors and underemployed persons. Both performances will be followed by a talkback session featuring members of the cast and other guest speakers. Presented by Amnesty International.

Zimbabwe: Pan-African Campaign of Solidarity for Zimbabwe

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-07-08T13:48:03+01:00

On Saturday 12 July 2008, following a call by CIVICUS: World Alliance For Citizen Participation, Amnesty International and the Global Call for Action Against Poverty (GCAP), citizens of Africa will unite to express their solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe who are suffering persistent violations of their rights. Saturday represents the launch of a Pan-African Campaign of Solidarity for Zimbabwe, and will be followed by events continent-wide. [more]

The widespread killings, torture and intimidation of the political opposition that characterised the presidential election run-off on June 27 cannot be condoned under any circumstances. “By flagrantly and consistently violating the values upon which present day Africa is premised, Mr Mugabe has done great disservice to the people of Zimbabwe and the continent. We believe it is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to Mr Mugabe’s anti-democratic activities” said Kumi Naidoo Honorary President of CIVICUS.

“The widespread killings, torture and assault of perceived opposition supporters must come to an end in Zimbabwe. Concrete action is long overdue and African leaders must end their silent acquiescence,” said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

In this hour of crisis, the people of Africa stand together with the people of Zimbabwe. “We urge African leaders to call for space to be opened up so that civil society can play a role in tackling Zimbabwe’s current crisis – we are needed now more than ever as millions of people face hunger through growing food insecurity brought on by mis-governance.” said Adelaide Sosseh, GCAP Co-chair based in The Gambia.

Saturday’s Pan-African events will express the concern of people continent-wide for the situation in Zimbabwe, and demonstrate the unity with which Africans stand against the violations committed against Zimbabwe’s people. It represents the beginning of an Africa-wide campaign at the grassroots level, allowing African voices to speak out about injustice in Zimbabwe.

Note to Editors:
There are a growing number of African voices speaking out against the suffering in Zimbabwe and demanding action from the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and individual African governments. The types of action that they are calling for include:

Appointment of an independent commission of inquiry to look into the recent human rights violations and abuses
Posting of human rights monitors to report on the current situation
Urge a solution to the present political crisis and deep divisions amongst the people of Zimbabwe in the spirit of reconciliation and dialogue
Restoration of the independence of the judiciary and accountability of security forces and law enforcement agencies.

There will be a range of activities taking place across the African continent on Saturday 12 July 2008, organised by local civil society organisations and concerned citizens. The expressions of solidarity that they will be making include:

Organising vigils outside the Zimbabwean embassies
Assembling outside government buildings or Houses of Parliament urging national governments to play a more active role on Zimbabwe
Meetings with heads of state, parliamentarians or local governments to urge action on Zimbabwe
Publishing articles or letters in the national or local press on violations of human and people’s rights in Zimbabwe
Organising press conferences with civil society representatives, government representatives and other experts on Zimbabwe
Issuing a press releases urging action on Zimbabwe
Directing people to sign a petition or take an e-action
Presenting memorandums or submissions to the African Union, Southern African Development Community and national governments

CIVICUS statement on Zimbabwe:http://www.civicus.org/new/media/CIVICUS-Zimbabwe-Statement.pdf

Amnesty International statement on Zimbabwe:http://www.amnesty.org/

GCAP statement on Zimbabwe: http://www.whiteband.org/media/press-info/au-summit-egypt-the-chance-for-african-leaders-to-tackle-zimbabwe-crisis

For further information, please contact:
For CIVICUS:
Anupama Selvam
anupama.selvam@civicus.org
+27 11 833 5959 ext. 107

For media queries:
Nastasya Tay
nastasya.tay@civicus.org
+27 73 266 0493

For GCAP:
Joe Donlin
joe.donlin@civicus.org

For Amnesty International:
On Call Press Officer
+ 44 0777 847 2126

********************************

For further information in Canada, please contact:
Beth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations (Amnesty International Canada)
416-363-9933, ext. 32

UPDATE: WOZA Members Finally Released!

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-07-04T18:10:52+01:00

Photo Credit: Jenni Williams speaking at the International Secretariat about the work of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), a grassroots women's organisation campaigning in Zimbabwe. Leaders and members from WOZA regularly take to the street to hold the government of Zimbabwe to account for its failure to meet their basic needs and are confronted by a repressive and brutal state. © AI

Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, the leaders of the activist organisation Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were granted bail on 3 July by the High Court. They had spent nearly six weeks in detention at Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare. They were arrested after engaging in peaceful protest against state-sponsored violence. The other 11 women and one man who were arrested with them were released on bail on 11 June by the High Court, but Jenni and Magodonga were denied bail.

The activists are all being charged with ‘distributing materials likely to cause a breach of the peace,’ under Section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Jenni Williams has a further charge against her for ‘publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State’ under Section 31 of the same Act. They will appear again in court on 17 July.

Amnesty International will continue campaigning on the women's behalf. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

To read more about their release, go to the Women of Zimbabwe Arise Blog. Scroll to the bottom of the page to add a comment or send a message of support to the members of WOZA.

Zimbabwe: State-sponsored violence and coercion create fundamentally flawed election

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-06-27T15:01:31+01:00

Photo Credit: A campaign poster for President Robert Mugabe is posted along a city street June 21, 2008 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Photo by Getty Images.

Amnesty International today said that it is deeply disturbed by the continuing campaign of state violence and intimidation as part of a deliberate strategy by the Zimbabwean government to ensure that Robert Mugabe wins today’s presidential election. The decision to hold the vote today comes despite calls by the international community to postpone the election until the security situation in Zimbabwe has improved.

“Today’s election is being held against a backdrop of widespread killings, torture and assault of perceived opposition supporters” said Amnesty International.

“Zimbabwe has been allowed to operate outside the African Union (AU) and UN human rights framework for far too long. It is time for effective African and international solidarity with the victims of human rights violations in Zimbabwe. The people must not be left alone to suffer this ongoing violence.”

Amnesty International urges the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to apply all necessary pressure on President Mugabe and his government to end the violence, and calls for a special session of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to consider the situation in Zimbabwe.

Read the News Release

Open Letter to President Levy Mwanawasa, Chair, Southern African Development Community

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-23T18:27:00+01:00

This letter was authored by Irene khan, Secretary General, Amnesty International, and released on 20 June 2008

Dear President Mwanawasa,

I am writing to you in your capacity as the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). I am appealing to you to convene an emergency summit of the SADC heads of state and government to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe.

Since March 2007, Amnesty International has been closely monitoring efforts by SADC states to ensure that the conditions in Zimbabwe enable the country to hold free and fair elections. We welcomed the emergency summit held on 12 April 2008 in Lusaka to try to break the political impasse in Zimbabwe after the 29 March elections. However, the current state-sponsored violence, harassment and intimidation of people perceived to have a political affiliation with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is undermining SADC efforts to end the crisis. People are being killed, tortured and subjected to other ill-treatment while the perpetrators are enjoying complete impunity.

Amnesty International expressed shock yesterday at the discovery of 12 people whose bodies were found dumped in various parts of the country after their abduction. In some cases, the victims were beaten to death.This pattern of human rights violations appears to be intensifying as the country gets closer to the second round of the presidential election, set for 27 June 2008. African election observers who are currently in Zimbabwe have also witnessed some of the violence.

[more]Most of the violence appears to be instigated by soldiers who were deployed first in the rural areas, and later in the urban centres to coordinate President Mugabe’s re-election campaign. The soldiers are working closely with "war veterans" and ZANU-PF supporters in intimidating and harassing people accused of having voted "wrongly" during the first round of the election. Reliable sources in Zimbabwe have also reported retaliatory attacks by the MDC.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Zimbabwe Republic Police are failing in their constitutional duty to protect the rights of all, including the right to life and freedom from torture and other forms of ill-treatment. They have chosen to operate in a partisan manner allowing impunity for human rights violations and abuses to thrive.

Amnesty International is therefore calling on SADC to:

convene an emergency summit of SADC heads of state and government to discuss the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe;
support the deployment of AU or UN human rights monitors to investigate alleged human rights violations and support the full implementation of their recommendations;
urge the government of Zimbabwe to take immediate steps to guarantee the right to life, freedom from torture and other ill-treatment and freedom of expression and assembly for all. The government should publicly denounce all acts of violence by ZANU-PF supporters, "war veterans" and soldiers, as well as by any other parties, and work with the MDC and civil society to end political violence immediately. It should also immediately withdraw soldiers, who have been deployed in rural and urban areas, who appear to be instigating attacks against people perceived to have voted for the MDC;
use the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation within SADC to immediately set up an independent and impartial body to investigate all acts of political violence. The investigation’s findings and recommendations should be made public.

Yours Sincerely,

Irene Khan,
Secretary General
Amnesty International

Petition the Governments of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-21T12:59:17+01:00

In the difficult and dangerous time leading up to, and beyond, the June 27th election run-off, take time to appeal to the leaders of Zimbabwe's neighbouring governments to intervene to protect the future and well-being of the Zimbabwean people. Ask them to closely monitor the situation, increase diplomatic engagement, and call, both publicly and privately, for an immediate end to the violence, torture and killings.

Add your voice to this appeal

Zimbabwe: Amnesty International reveals 12 bodies found: victims tortured to death

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-20T13:43:06+01:00

Photo Credit: Mourners in Harare attend on May 25, 2008 the burial of 33-year-old activist Tonderai Ndira who was found dead days after being abducted from his home in the aftermath of the March general elections. DESMOND KWANDE/AFP/Getty Images

Amnesty International today revealed that 12 bodies have been found in various areas of Zimbabwe.

Most of the victims appear to have been tortured to death by their abductors.

They were allegedly abducted by ZANU-PF supporters who, in some instances, were accompanied by armed men believed to be government agents.

Four of the victims were reportedly abducted yesterday from the home of Mr Chipiyo, an MDC councillor-elect in Chitungwiza by ZANU-PF youths. One of the victims is Archford Chipiyo the son of the MDC councillor-elect.

Five bodies were found in Masvingo province, while two were found in Gokwe district in the Midlands province and one was found dumped in Harare.

Another victim died in Harare today in hospital of injuries sustained from the beatings by ZANU-PF youths when she attended a funeral of a relative in Buhera.

Amnesty International has also received information from eyewitnesses that soldiers are going about threatening villagers with guns, instructing them to vote for President Mugabe on 27 June.

“The government must publicly denounce all acts of violence by ZANU-PF supporters, ‘war veterans’ and soldiers and work with all political parties to end political violence immediately,” said Amnesty International.

“It should also withdraw soldiers, who have been deployed in rural and urban areas, and are instigating attacks against people perceived to be supporters of the MDC.”

Amnesty International also called on leaders of the South Africa Development Community (SADC) to convene an emergency summit to address the deteriorating security situation in Zimbabwe.

UPDATE: WOZA members arrested and at high risk of ill-treatment

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-06-19T16:26:52+01:00

On 11 June 2008 the High Court of Zimbabwe granted bail to twelve of the fourteen Women/Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA & MOZA) arrested on 28 May 2008. However two WOZA leaders, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were denied bail as the State argued that they were likely to commit similar offences as they had in the past. Amnesty International considers them Prisoners of Conscience and is calling for their immediate release.

Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu are detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison – female section. Reports indicate that conditions at the prison are deplorable and fall well below international standards. Amnesty International understands that Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were arrested and detained purely because they were attempting to exercise their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

Please continue to write letters to the Honorable Patrick Chinamasa, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs calling for the immediate release of these two human rights defenders.

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Zimbabwe under house arrest while African Governments remain silent

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-17T14:25:42+01:00

Solidarity Statement from the Zimbabwe Inter-Agency Reference Group (Canada)

Zimbabwe is a country virtually ‘under house arrest’! On June 4, 2008, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Nicholas Goche ordered all non-governmental and private voluntary organizations (NGOs & PVOs) to suspend all field operations until further notice. As a result, thousands of workers and human rights defenders can no longer leave their homes and offices to provide services locally to millions of Zimbabweans.

Read the full statement (pdf)

Note: this statement will be published in Embassy 18 June 2008.

Zimbabwe: Amnesty International accuses government of using food for political gain

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-06-06T21:57:27+01:00

Amnesty International today called on the government of Zimbabwe to immediately lift its ban on field operations by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and accused the government of using food for political ends.

“The suspension of field operations by all NGOs on the order of the Zimbabwean government is likely to increase food insecurity in Zimbabwe and expose millions of people to hunger,” said Amnesty International.

“The suspension of NGO operations is yet another attempt by the government to manipulate food distribution for political ends,” said Amnesty International.

“Suspension of humanitarian operations by NGOs ensures that the government has a monopoly over food distribution through the state-controlled Grain Marketing Board (GMB) during the pre-election period.”

Since 2000, Amnesty International has documented how GMB food has been used as a political tool against perceived government opponents. [more]

Amnesty International said that the restrictions will not only have a detrimental effect on food security in Zimbabwe, but also serve as a means for the government to prevent aid workers from witnessing the sharply increased levels of state-sponsored political violence taking place in the country since presidential and parliamentary elections were held on 29 March.

“By closing off the space for NGOs in Zimbabwe, the government is attempting to hide the worst of the human rights violations taking place in the country,” said Amnesty International

“The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that food is distributed to all on the basis of need -- irrespective of real or perceived political affiliation.”

“Humanitarian organisations and other NGOs should be allowed go about their legitimate work without interference. By deliberately blocking life-sustaining aid, the government of Zimbabwe may be violating the right of its citizens to life, food, and health.”

Background

Without giving specific reasons for his action, the Zimbabwean Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Nicholas Goche, wrote to all private voluntary organisations and NGOs on 4 June 2008, instructing them to stop their operations.

The Minister gave his intention to invoke Section (10), Subsection (c), of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05] as the basis for his action.

The poorest Zimbabweans will be worst affected by the ban. They will be increasingly exposed to life-threatening diseases, since the suspension affects water and sanitation projects. The ban will also severely impact the care of Zimbabwe’s over one million children orphaned by AIDS, and the terminally ill who are on home-based care programmes.

This is not the first time that government policies and practices in Zimbabwe have exacerbated Zimbabwe’s food security problems. In 2005, Operation Murambatsvina, the government’s programme of mass forced evictions, resulted in hundreds of thousands of women, men and children being made homeless, without access to adequate food, water and sanitation, or healthcare.

Since 2000, millions of people in Zimbabwe have had great difficulty in gaining access to adequate food. One of the major causes of the food crisis in Zimbabwe has been the drop in domestic food production. While climatic factors, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and economic problems have all played a role in declining agricultural productivity, government policies and practices have exacerbated Zimbabwe’s food security problems.

Zimbabwe - A trail of violence after the ballot

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-05T20:01:14+01:00

Amnesty International has documented unlawful killings, torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, as well as harassment and intimidation of mainly Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters and human rights defenders in Zimbabwe following elections on 29 March 2008. By the end of May dozens of people
had been killed and over 1600 people1 had been treated for injuries sustained from politically related violence. Human rights groups in Zimbabwe have been unable to document all the cases of violence as their movements have been severely restricted and some of them have fallen victim to the on-going violence.

The report gives a sample of cases to illustrate the pattern of human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe during the period leading to the presidential election run-off on 27 June 2008. It is based on telephone interviews, conducted from 29 March to 27 May 2008, with victims of human rights abuses, eyewitnesses and human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, as well as alerts and documents produced by local human rights organisations. It builds on earlier research conducted by Amnesty International delegates inside the country.

Read the full report (pdf)

Zimbabwe: Sharp crackdown on political opponents

Susanne Ure — 2008-06-04T23:21:12+01:00

Amnesty International today condemned the detention of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, saying that his detention was part of a sudden, sharp and dangerous crackdown on political opposition in the run-up to the elections.

“Morgan Tsvangirai should be released immediately – or charged with a recognizable criminal offense,” said Amnesty International.

According to reports, Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested at a roadblock north of Bulawayo and is being held at a police charge office in Lupane. It is not clear what the charges are against him.

[more]Amnesty International today condemned the detention of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, saying that his detention was part of a sudden, sharp and dangerous crackdown on political opposition in the run-up to the elections.

“Morgan Tsvangirai should be released immediately – or charged with a recognizable criminal offense,” said Amnesty International.

According to reports, Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested at a roadblock north of Bulawayo and is being held at a police charge office in Lupane. It is not clear what the charges are against him.

In March 2007, Tsvangirai, along with other MDC and other civil society activists, was severely beaten while in police custody and had to be hospitalised.

His arrest comes the day after the publication by Amnesty International of a damning report highlighting the extensive human rights violations that have taken place since parliamentary and presidential elections were held in March 2008. These include unlawful killings, torture and other ill-treatment, beatings, and the harassment and intimidation of mainly MDC supporters and human rights defenders in Zimbabwe.

The organization revealed that a witness to the abduction of an MDC senatorial candidate Shepherd Jani by suspected Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) agents has gone into hiding after he and his family received threatening phone calls from men believed to be state agents, who told him to hand himself in at Harare Central Police station. Amnesty International says his life is at risk and his family has also been threatened.

Kumbirai Masimo witnessed the abduction on 21 May of Shepherd Jani, senatorial candidate for Murewa North. Jani was abducted by suspected CIO operatives and his body was found days later.

“The government of Zimbabwe must ensure the safety and security of Morgan Tsvangirai, Kurmirai Masimo and all others at risk during this dangerous crackdown on those deemed to be a political threat to the ruling government,” said Amnesty International.

The organization said that the bulk of the human rights violations are being perpetrated by supporters of the Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) -- generally known as “war veterans”.

State security organisations, in particular the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have been unwilling to act against these perpetrators – allowing them to kill, torture, assault and burn homes and businesses of suspected MDC supporters with impunity. In fact, in some cases authorities have instigated or even directed attacks by these groups.

The Zimbabwean government is also severely tightening restrictions on international aid agencies operating in Zimbabwe.

“By introducing restrictions against aid workers in Zimbabwe, including CARE International, which was recently forced to suspend all of its field operations in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean government is attempting to hide the worst of the state-sponsored violence from the eyes of the world,” said Amnesty International.

Millions of people in Zimbabwe will be affected by the aid restrictions, which are likely to worsen significantly Zimbabwe’s food security problems.

WOZA members arrested and at high risk of ill-treatment

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-06-03T14:04:00+01:00

Activists from the organisation Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), including WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magadonga Mahlangu were arrested on 28 May at a peaceful demonstration in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. They are in grave danger of torture or other ill-treatment and are being held under harsh prison conditions.

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Solidarity Peace Trust video footage from Zimbabwe

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-06-02T14:09:21+01:00

Solidarity Peace Trust, a non-governmental organisation in South Africa, has developed two new films that capture the current situation in Zimbabwe. Find out more about Solidarity Peace Trust at: http://www.solidaritypeacetrust.org/index.php

Democracy: Missing Presumed Dead

This new video draws on testimonies from victims, their family members, and medical professionals, looking at the violence perpetrated since the election in March. Watch the video.

A Crisis in Zimbabwe

An account of the horrific violence being perpetrated by Zimbabwe's ZANU PF government forces since the election in March. Watch the video.

Annual Report 2008: The State of Human Rights in Zimbabwe

Lindsay Mossman — 2008-05-28T15:58:11+01:00

The human rights situation in Zimbabwe continued to deteriorate in 2007 with an increase in organized violence and torture, and restrictions on the rights to freedom of association, assembly and expression. Hundreds of human rights defenders and members of the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), were arrested for participating in peaceful gatherings. Scores were tortured while in police custody. The economy continued to decline. About four million people required food aid due to the declining economy, erratic rains and shortage of agricultural inputs such as maize seed and fertilizer. Victims of the 2005 mass forced evictions continued to live in deplorable conditions, and the government failed to remedy their situation. [more]

Background

In March the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit in Tanzania and appointed President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa to facilitate dialogue between the government of Zimbabwe and the MDC. The dialogue started at a very slow pace and missed several deadlines. Amnesty International and local human rights organizations were concerned about the mediation process’ silence on human rights violations. The SADC mediation process did not have a clear strategy for civil participation. While the talks were ongoing, the police in Zimbabwe continued to target MDC members and human rights defenders. Following agreements reached during the talks, in October the Constitutional Amendment (No.18) Act was passed, aiming to synchronize presidential, parliamentary and local government elections and to create a human rights commission. In December Parliament passed a number of other Bills in line with agreements reached during the talks, including the Public Order and Security Amendment Bill and the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill.

The economy continued to decline, severely eroding household incomes and capacity to access food, health care and education. The World Food Programme estimated that about four million Zimbabweans were in need of food aid. Annual inflation was running at over 7,900 per cent at the end of September, but the Central Statistical Office failed to release the October, November and December figures. In June the government introduced price controls, ostensibly to arrest spiralling food prices. This policy resulted in panic buying and by the beginning of July most goods including maize meal, the staple diet, could not be found in shops. During the enforcement of the price controls the police arrested more than 7,000 business people for flouting price control regulations. There were reports of corrupt conduct by price enforcement agents, including hoarding by state security agents.

Freedom of assembly and association

Throughout the year police imposed severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of association and assembly of human rights defenders, students, trade unionists and members of the MDC. Police used excessive force to break up peaceful demonstrations. Detainees in police custody were tortured, in particular by being beaten severely, and ill-treated. Repeatedly, detainees were denied access to lawyers, food and medical care.

On 21 February police in Harare announced a three-month ban on demonstrations in parts of the city. This ban appears to have breached Section 27 of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), which only allows police to impose a one-month ban.

While police used excessive force to break up demonstrations or meetings organized by the MDC and civil society organizations, there were no reports of police stopping any meeting or demonstration organized by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party or its partner organizations, including the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.

On 18 February, police in Harare stopped the MDC from holding a rally at the Zimbabwe grounds in Highfield, a low-income suburb in Harare. The MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai had called a rally to launch its presidential campaign for the 2008 elections. Despite a High Court order obtained by the MDC on 17 February barring police from blocking the rally, police mounted checkpoints to stop people reaching the venue. At least 50 people were injured, five of them seriously, when police beat participants at random. Police first assaulted the MDC supporters with baton sticks and later used dogs, tear gas and water canons to disperse them. Injuries were also reported among the police. Police were also reported to have gone door to door beating suspected MDC supporters. On 19 February police arrested several MDC leaders in Highfield.
On 11 March at least 50 activists were arrested in Highfield after attempting to attend a prayer meeting organized by the Save Zimbabwe Campaign, a coalition of political parties, civil society organizations and churches. The meeting was in protest at the police’s three-month ban on demonstrations in parts of Harare. Those arrested included MDC faction leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara; National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) chairperson Lovemore Madhuku; and senior MDC members Sekai Holland and Grace Kwinjeh. They were taken to Machipisa police station where police kicked them and beat them with baton sticks. The beatings continued at various police stations where the detainees were later transferred. Several activists suffered serious injuries including fractures and deep skin lacerations. They were denied access to lawyers and only Lovemore Madhuku and Morgan Tsvangirai were allowed access to medical care. Police defied a High Court order to present the detainees at the High Court on 13 March. Police also failed to present the detainees before a magistrate by midday on the same day. Police at Harare Central police station refused permission for some of the seriously injured to be transported by ambulance to court, turning ambulances away. The detainees spent at least four hours at Rotten Row magistrate court without anyone attending to them. Police only allowed the detainees to be taken to hospital after the intervention of officers from the Attorney General’s office. At midnight on 13 March the detainees were taken back to court and released into the custody of their lawyers.
On 25 July, at least 200 NCA activists were arrested by police in Harare after participating in a peaceful march. They were taken from the NCA offices to Harare Central police station where they were severely assaulted by police and unidentified people in plain clothes. Among those assaulted were two elderly women aged 68 and 72 who were singled out for beating by police and accused of “inciting young people to demonstrate against the government”. Six babies were also taken into custody with their mothers. The mothers were singled out and beaten in front of their children. The beatings lasted for about six hours and the activists were released at midnight without charge. The activists were reportedly made to sing revolutionary songs denouncing Morgan Tsvangirai. At least 32 of the activists were later hospitalized and 14 had fractured limbs as a result of the beatings. Among the injured was a 19-month-old baby who had been beaten by police with a baton stick.

Women human rights defenders

Members of the women’s activist organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arrested throughout the year after engaging in peaceful protest. WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were arrested several times and were threatened by police officials. Some of the threats amounted to death threats.

On 6 June, seven WOZA members were arrested in Bulawayo after participating in a peaceful protest. In solidarity with the seven detainees Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu turned themselves in and were also detained. Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were charged under the Criminal Codification Act and released on bail on 9 June. WOZA members were also reportedly arrested in other parts of Zimbabwe including Mutare, Masvingo and Filabusi.
On 1 October about 200 WOZA members were arrested in Bulawayo after taking part in a peaceful march protesting against piece-meal constitutional amendments. They were released without charge.
On 15 October, 58 WOZA activists peacefully protesting outside parliament in Harare were arrested and detained for nine hours at Harare Central police station. They were released without charge.
On 6 November police in Harare arrested 98 WOZA members peacefully marching to protest against violence and demanding the repeal of repressive laws such as POSA. The activists were arrested outside parliament by riot police. They were taken to Harare Central police station and released seven hours later without charge.

Extrajudicial executions

On 11 March police in Highfield shot and killed NCA activist Gift Tandare who was taking part in a protest prayer meeting organized by the Save Zimbabwe Campaign. No independent investigation was conducted following this incident. Police alleged that Gift Tandare was part of a group which failed to take heed of a police warning to disperse. Police later fired live bullets at mourners during Gift Tandare’s funeral wake, injuring two mourners. State security agents reportedly took his body from a local funeral parlour and forced his relatives to bury it in Mt Darwin at his rural home.

Torture and other ill-treatment

Reports of people being tortured in police custody persisted throughout the year. Many torture victims had been arrested after engaging in peaceful protest or were MDC members accused by police of involvement in alleged terrorism attacks and bombings.

On and around 28 March police rounded up dozens of MDC workers, activists and senior officials throughout the country, accusing them of terrorist activities and petrol bombings. Most of the detainees were allegedly tortured while in police custody. Thirty-two of those arrested were later charged and detained for between two and four months. Philip Katsande, the MDC’s Harare province secretary for policy and research, was among those arrested. He was shot during arrest as he hid above the ceiling. Police also allegedly assaulted his wife and children during the arrest. He was later taken by police to Parirenyatwa hospital. Paul Madzore, MDC Member of Parliament for Glen View, was arrested by police from his home on 28 March. Police arrested other occupants at his home including children. He was tortured by police at Harare Central police station. Charges against 30 of the detainees were later dropped because of insufficient evidence.
In June, six men, including a retired army officer, appeared in court accused of plotting a coup. Albert Mugove Mutapo, ex-soldier Nyasha Zivuka, Oncemore Mudzuradhona, Emmanuel Marara, Patson Mupfure and Shingirai Matemachani were reportedly tortured. Their trial was continuing at the end of the year.

Abductions and assaults

MDC members were abducted and assaulted by people suspected of being state security agents.

On 18 March Nelson Chamisa, MDC Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana, was attacked with iron bars outside Harare International Airport by people believed to be state security personnel. He was on his way to Brussels to attend an EU-ACP joint parliamentary meeting. By the end of 2007, no one had been arrested for this assault.
In March Last Maengahama, an MDC official, was abducted by suspected state security agents at Borrowdale shopping centre in Harare after attending Gift Tandare’s memorial service. Last Maengahama was bundled into a truck and assaulted before being dumped in Mutorashanga, some 100km from Harare.
On 18 May Cleopas Shiri, the MDC chairperson for Gweru Urban district, was abducted by four men in a green Mazda 323 car on his way home from work. He was blindfolded and taken to a building where he was tortured, including by having electric rods attached to his toes. After he passed out, his abductors dumped him in the bush. Cleopas Shiri later regained consciousness, managed to reach the road and got a lift to Bulawayo, where he was hospitalized for a month. When he returned to Gweru he found that his house was under surveillance. The surveillance only stopped after he had complained to the police district commanding officer.
On 22 November, at least 22 NCA members were rounded up by unidentified people and bundled into two minibuses in Harare’s central business district area. They were reportedly taken to ZANU-PF’s Harare provincial offices along Fourth Street where they were beaten on the soles of their feet with sticks and iron bars and ordered to maintain stress positions, including simulating sitting on a chair, for long periods and to roll on the ground. They were later ordered to mop the floor of the room and a toilet with bare hands. After the captors allegedly called the police, the victims were taken to Harare Central police station where police charged them with “obstruction of justice” under the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act and they were fined. None of the perpetrators was arrested. Ten of the victims required hospital treatment.

Rule of law

In October magistrates and prosecutors went on strike demanding a 900 per cent pay rise. Many judicial officers’ salaries were below the poverty line, which compromised the justice system.

On 6 November Attorney-General Sobusa Gula-Ndebele was arrested on suspicion of “conduct contrary or inconsistent with duties of a public officer”. The arrest followed a reported meeting in September with former National Merchant Bank deputy managing director James Andrew Kufakunesu Mushore, who was wanted by police for foreign currency offences. The Attorney-General was charged with contravening Section 174 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, cautioned and released. In December President Mugabe suspended the Attorney General and announced the setting up of a three-member tribunal to look into allegations that he had abused his office.

Amnesty International visits/reports

Amnesty International delegates visited Zimbabwe in February/March, August, October/November and November/December.
Open letter from Amnesty International’s Secretary General Irene Khan to President Robert Mugabe (AFR 46/006/2007)
Zimbabwe: End harassment, torture and intimidation of opposition activists (AFR 46/007/2007)
Call for Africa leaders to speak out against brutality in Zimbabwe (AFR 46/011/2007)
Zimbabwe: Human rights in crisis – Shadow report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AFR 46/016/2007)
Zimbabwe: Between a rock and hard place – women human rights defenders at risk (AFR 46/017/2007)
Zimbabwe: Women at the forefront of challenging government policy face increasing repression (AFR 46/023/2007)

The Zimbabwe Group of the Amnesty International Irish Section presents "A Footprint of Roses"

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-20T00:43:22+01:00

The power of love is stronger than the love of power - Woman of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)

Mounted in Dublin on 15 February 2008 and written by Elaine Desmond, A Footprint of Roses is a stark portrayal of the human rights abuses endured by the women of Zimbabwe who continue to campaign for social and economic reform in a country teetering dangerously on the brink of total collapse.

Woman of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) was formed in 2003 in response to the deteriorating situation economically and socially and politically in Zimbabwe.

The women protest each Valentine's Day with the message to the government that things are going badly, they're dissatisfied and that they want the government to put them right. Unfortunately they've been met with police brutality each time they've protested. They distribute roses to the police and the public as a symbol of their peaceful and loving intentions, but the police do not respond well to this gesture. A Footprint of Roses looks at two women who were arrested following a protest held last year, in 2007. They actually marched a day early in an attempt to fool the police and avoid the violence but the information was leaked and hundreds of women were beaten and arrested as a result.

The play starts with a woman who is miscarrying in a police cell.

Video Clips: Intro | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Zimbabwe: Violence reaches crisis levels

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-15T20:11:59+01:00

Photo Credit: The back of a Zimbabwean man after he was beaten by war veterans and ruling Zanu-PF suppoters for allegedly voting for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in the March general elections. Howard Hospital, in Chiweshe, 170 kms from Harare on May 13, 2008. DESMOND KWANDE/AFP/Getty Images

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that large numbers of ZANU-PF supporters and “war veterans” are assaulting perceived MDC supporters in Mberengwa district in Midlands province and Mazowe district in Mashonaland Central.

In Mberengwa, a large gang of ZANU-PF supporters -- most of them youths forcibly recruited by “war veterans” -- are going around attacking homes of people suspected of voting for the MDC in the 29 March 2008 elections. A similar gang was reported by an eyewitness in the Chiweshe area in Mazowe district.

Police appear to be unwilling to stop the violence, only acting to arrest MDC supporters suspected of carrying out attacks on perceived ZANU-PF supporters.

News Release

Police and soldiers must stop violently harassing human rights defenders & supporters

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T21:11:53+01:00

Photo Credit: Police load supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in a truck after they raided the MDC headquarters, The Harvest house, in Harare on April 25, 2008. They took the people to Harare Central police station. STR/AFP/Getty Images

The leaders of the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN), a coalition of 38 organizations that deployed local observers during the elections, are being harassed by the authorities in an apparent attempt to prevent them observing a possible presidential run-off election in the coming weeks. On 25 April, five police officers raided the Harare-based offices of the ZESN. The home of Ms Rindai Chipfunde-Vava, National Director of the ZESN, was also raided, and Ms Tsungai Kokerai, the ZESN’s Programme Manager, and the organization’s chairperson, Mr Noel Kututwa, have been interrogated by police and then released but are at risk of being charged and detained.

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Police raid office of election observers; staff in hiding

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T21:07:22+01:00

News Flash: 25 April 2008

Amnesty International has just received information that at about 10 am (local time), five police officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) raided the offices of the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) in Harare.

“The actions taken by the police today are unacceptable,” said Amnesty International. “The Zimbabwean police must stop harassing political and human rights activists immediately and act to protect victims of post-election violence.”

The police had a search warrant signed by the officer in charge of CID Homicide authorizing them to search for “subversive material likely to cause the overthrow of a constitutionally-elected government”.

They are in the process of searching ZESN offices.

News Flash

No supply of arms until state sponsored violence ceases

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T21:01:37+01:00

News Release: 23 April 2008

All shipments of small arms, light weapons and ammunition ordered from China by the Zimbabwe Government must be halted as there is a real risk that it may lead to increased human rights violations in Zimbabwe, said Amnesty International.

“The international community must not supply small arms to Zimbabwe until state sponsored violence has ceased and the rule of law is re-established.”

Amnesty International extended its call to include a halt of sales to Zimbabwe of security equipment including tear gas, water canons and other anti-riot equipment which has been used in the past by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to suppress the right to peaceful protest. Since 2000, police have used excessive force against human rights defenders.

The organization has documented serious human rights violations committed by soldiers and police in Zimbabwe against opposition supporters after the elections held on 29 March 2008. These abuses assaults and torture by soldiers, police, so-called “war veterans” and supporters of the ruling party, ZANU-PF, against people who have been accused of not having voted “correctly.” Though some victims have reported these crimes to the police, no arrests have been reported and it appears that perpetrators continue to commit abuses with impunity.

News Release

Post-election violence increases in Zimbabwe

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:59:06+01:00

News Feature: 18 April 2008

Zimbabweans had little to celebrate on Friday 18 April, the 28th anniversary of their country's independence. Since the country went to the polls on 29 March 2008, nearly three weeks ago, the results of the presidential vote have still not been announced and violent attacks on opposition supporters are increasing in number.

Amnesty International has received confirmed reports of one death and over 240 people injured as a result of state-sponsored human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Of those 240 people, 18 are currently in hospital with severe injuries.

The number of casualties has risen sharply since the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) called a general strike on Tuesday 15 April. Forty-two recorded cases were treated by doctors on 17 April alone.

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Amnesty International calls for an immediate end to political violence

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:53:13+01:00

News Release: 10 April 2008

According to information received by Amnesty International, incidents of post-election violence are widespread -- suggesting the existence of coordinated retribution against known and suspected opposition supporters.

Violence has been reported in Harare, Mashonaland East, Midlands, Matabeleland North and Manicaland provinces.

Victims of political violence have reporedly been pulled from buses and assaulted at their homes in rural areas, townships and farms.

News Release

Police Urged to Remain Non-Partisan

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:49:47+01:00

News Release: 3 April 2008

On 29 March 2008, Zimbabweans took part in a general election to elect members of the parliament, local councillors and a president. According to results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), the main opposition party the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by Morgan Tsvangirai, won 99 seats.

The ruling Zimbabwe African national Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU_PF) won 97 seats. The faction of the MDC led by Arthur Mutambara won 10 seats and one seat was won by an independent candidate.

While the situation remains generally calm with all political parties exercising restraint, people are anxious and concerned about delays by the ZEC to release the presidential election results.

News Release

Women Human Rights Defenders at Risk

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:46:02+01:00

Action updated 27 March 2008

Irene’s family lived on a farm in Matabeleland North province in Zimbabwe until they were forcibly evicted by a government land-reform programme in 2002. After relocating to the city of Bulawayo, Irene became a vegetable vendor to support herself and her family. In 2005, her home was destroyed during Operation Murambatsvina, when the government demolished housing without providing alternative shelter for those affected.

Because of her difficulties in accessing food, shelter, and education for her siblings, Irene joined a women’s human rights organizations named Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA). For her involvement in peaceful demonstrations with WOZA, Irene has been arrested at least eight times. During one detention, she was kicked in the abdomen while pregnant, denied medical attention, and later miscarried.

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Stop the intimidation of women activists

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:43:07+01:00

Action updated 27 March 2008

Since Valentine’s Day 2003, activists belonging to the women’s rights organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) have repeatedly been arrested by the Zimbabwe police. They have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, and ill-treatment by police officers. The women have been arrested while taking part in peaceful protests in response to the worsening social, economic and human rights situation in the country.

When the women take to the streets, they are frequently arrested and detained for periods ranging from a few hours to two to three days. Conditions in detention are often poor and cells over-crowded. Police have also attempted to deny detained activists access to legal advice, and lawyers acting for WOZA have been subject to harassment by police...

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Harassment and intimidation as election looms

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:38:10+01:00

News Release: 26 March 2008

As Zimbabweans prepare to vote in national elections on 29 March, Amnesty International today warned that the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly are being unnecessarily restricted in advance of the poll date.

“Although opposition parties appear to be enjoying a greater degree of access to previously ‘no go areas’ in rural areas compared with previous elections, we continue to receive reports of intimidation, harassment and violence against perceived supporters of opposition candidates – with many in rural regions fearful that there will be retribution after the elections,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s Zimbabwe researcher who recently returned from Zimbabwe.

News Release

Zimbabwean Police Arrest and Assault Opposition Demonstrators

Susanne Ure — 2008-05-04T20:33:08+01:00

News Release: 24 January 2008

As crowds amass outside Harare to begin planned demonstrations against the Zimbabwean government, Amnesty International called on Zimbabwean authorities to ensure that peaceful protestors are allowed to express their opinions freely.

One eyewitness told Amnesty International that he saw police assault Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters who were on their way to the demonstration, and bundle them into a police van.

“The Commissioner-General of Police, Augustine Chihuri, must ensure that officers under his command exercise restraint when dealing with public demonstrations,” said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International’s researcher on Zimbabwe, recently returned from the country...

News Release