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International Human Rights Day message
Youth Alliance for Democracy
December 08, 2009

Youth Alliance for Democracy is proud to be part of the commemorations of this year's International Human Rights Day. This year's theme is: Dignity and justice for us all. This a befitting theme given the fact that there are a plethora of gross human rights abuses which were perpetrated to innocent and unsuspecting innocent Zimbabweans as a result of political violence which prevailed in the run up to the June 27 presidential run-off.

The inception of the inclusive government has provided an opportune environment for ensuring that these human rights abuses are redressed through a well implemented transitional justice. As an alliance for democracy we believe that a pre-requisite for this noble process is necessitated by truth on the part of perpetrators and execution of justice to those who initiated this evil move to sponsor and support the retributive exercise in any form. To us those who were used as weapons are victims who also deserve rehabilitation in the name of counseling and guidance. Nonetheless for this process to go on well the inclusive government should adhere to the Global Political Agreement, a remedy for all the challenges which were brought as a result of oppression in a bid to silence all dissenting voices.

We are also cognizant and acknowledge other human rights abuses which occurred before, these include Gukurahundi, Land Grab, Operation Murambatsvina and all the election violence which prevailed from 1980 to this date.

We call for a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission which will expose all the human rights abuses as well as recommending for appropriate action and judgments as well as education about importance of observance of human rights vis-à-vis development.

We also recommend that in the on-going constitutional making process, there must be tight measures for perpetrators of all forms of abuse and monitoring mechanisms. The liberalization of airwaves, repealing of draconian laws and respecting of vulnerable group's rights will remain on our agenda. Meanwhile YAD will take heed to the invitation to a march on the day of commemoration by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

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