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Zimbabwe: International action is required to end impunity
International Bar Association (IBA)
September 26, 2006

http://www.ibanet.org/iba/article.cfm?article=95

The Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association (IBA) today urged the United Nations and African Union to take decisive and immediate action to end impunity for serious violations of international law in Zimbabwe.

Responding to a report in Zimbabwe’s Herald on 25 September 2006 that President Robert Mugabe recently endorsed the unlawful actions of the Zimbabwe Republic Police against leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions last week, the IBA’s Executive Director Mark Ellis said, ‘Mugabe’s statements add to the weight of evidence that torture and other serious violations of international law are sanctioned at the highest level in Zimbabwe. This underscores the urgent need for international and regional action to hold the Zimbabwean Government to account.’

He added that "the torture of the trade union activists is not an isolated incident, but part of a dangerous and illegal system of repression which constitutes crimes against humanity in international law. Decisive action is required by both the United Nations and the African Union to end impunity and violence in Zimbabwe.’’

Fifteen Zimbabwean trade union leaders sustained severe injuries after they were assaulted while in police custody on 13 September 2006. The trade unionists were arrested during peaceful protests. Credible reports from several local sources contend that the trade union leaders were brutally tortured. In an article published in the Herald article of 25 September 2006, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe is reported to have said,‘We cannot have a revolt to the system. Vamwe vaakuchema kuti takarohwa, ehe unodashurwa [others are crying that we were beaten up, yes you would be beaten up]. When the police say move, move. If you don’t move, you invite the police to use force.’

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