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Statement on Africa Day commemoration 25 May 2006
Zimbabwe Exiles' Forum (ZEF)
May 25, 2006

Whilst the rest of Africa and indeed the whole world celebrate the liberation of Africa from colonial rule, Zimbabwe finds itself in the throes of severe human rights violations and unprecedented economic meltdown. Zimbabwe Exiles' Forum (ZEF), which documents and litigates cases of human rights abuses from Zimbabwe as well as help exiles apply for asylum, is greatly concerned by the impunity that continues to exist in Zimbabwe and some parts of Africa. Basic human rights of shelter, food, health and education as expounded by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) are a mere dream.

The OAU, which is now the African Union(AU) has been transformed to include aspects of good governance, rule of law and the respect of human rights. Such impunity as exists in Zimbabwe flies in the face of the positive economic and democratic developments that are currently prevailing in most countries in Africa as evidenced by the activities of The African Union, Pan African Parliament and NEPAD. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is another positive step undertaken by the leaders of Africa for the protection of the rights of the peoples of Africa. Moreover, institutions such as the Peer Review Mechanism seem to indicate that Africa has come of age with respect to issues of human rights.

Whilst ZEF applauds the establishment of such institutions, it deeply deplores the fact that African leaders continue to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that continue to occur daily in Zimbabwe. This casts doubt that African leaders are committed to the principles that are enshrined in the Protocol establishing the AU. The Zimbabwean Government's "Operation Murambatsvina", the recent crackdown on homeless people and informal traders is another glaring example of crimes against humanity that African leaders have failed to act on effectively and decisively. Torture, intimidation, arrests and detentions continue to be the methods of silencing dissenting voices, apart from the repressive legislation that exist in the form of POSA, AIPPA and the new envisaged Interception of Communications Act. Furthermore, whilst the ACHPR strongly emphasizes the protection and promotion of children and women's rights, Zimbabwe is crushing them. Only this month there were children and women who were arrested and detained for five days for protesting against plutonic rises in school fees.

In conclusion therefore, ZEF strongly urges African leaders at the upcoming Session of Heads of State in July to take action against the Government of Zimbabwe. In particular, ZEF strongly urges them to adopt a resolution of The ACHPR that was submitted to it in December 2005. Lastly, ZEF also urges the AU to cooperate with the UN so that a permanent solution is found to the crisis in Zimbabwe, as well as to bring to account those who have committed serious human rights violations in this country.

Gabriel Shumba
Executive Director

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