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Statement on Human Rights Day
Youth Forum
December 10, 2010

The Youth Forum joins the world of progressive forces in commemorating the International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2010. This year's theme is: "Human rights defenders who act to end discrimination"

Human rights defenders acting against discrimination, often at great personal risk to both themselves and their families, are being recognized and acclaimed on this day.

Human rights defenders speak out against abuse and violations including discrimination, exclusion, oppression and violence. They advocate justice and seek to protect the victims of human rights violations. They demand accountability for perpetrators and transparency in government action. In so doing, they are often putting at risk their own safety, and that of their families.

We would want to encourage all current Human Rights Defenders to continue with their work and fight the Zimbabwean system that is full of discrimination ranging from gender, age, race, sexual orientation, political affiliation and many other forms of discrimination. The victimization of Human Rights Defenders has continued unabated in Zimbabwe, even after the advent of this Government of many names, which, for all its purposes and intents, has lost credibility and has fallen off its rails. We hope in recognizing this important day, the governmental and other relevant and responsible authorities like the police, the army and the courts of law will attach importance to the work of these Human Rights Defenders, who act to end discrimination, by ending the victimization of such persons.

The Youth Forum urges the Government of Zimbabwe and all relevant authorities to put in place measures that will ensure that all forms of discrimination are stopped. We continue to urge the Government to pay special attention to the civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of persons deprived of their liberty. We recognize that most of the Human Rights Defenders are youths therefore our special interest in defending these defenders.

The Youth Forum shall continue to use all available means to support the Human Rights Defenders and to end all forms of discrimination. We are all equal and deserve to respect each other's rights.

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