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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Strikes and Protests 2007- Save Zimbabwe Campaign
Applaud
to Zambian government stand on Zimbabwe and concerns on current
arrests and torture of political and human rights activists
Malawi Civil Society Organisations
March 15, 2007
View Save Zimbabwe
Campaign index
of images and articles
The Centre for
Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Centre for Children Affairs,
(CEYCA), Civil Liberties Committee (CILIC) and Christian Agency
for Responsible Democracy and Unity (CARDDENU) applaud the Zambian
government for taking a firm stand against the deteriorating of
state of affairs in Zimbabwe. It is evident that the Zambian government
this time around has broken ranks with the region on the meltdown
by acknowledging the serious problems in Zimbabwe and the need for
intervention by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
We note with
utter respect the recent remarks made by Zambian Foreign Affairs
Minister Mundia Sikatana to SADC Executive Secretary Thomaz Salomao
in Lusaka indicating that Zambia was acutely affected by the political
and economic collapse of its neighbor taking into consideration
the hordes of Zimbabweans streaming daily into Zambia in search
of a livelihood.
It is clear
that Zimbabwe is exporting poverty into the region and beyond, forcing
the poorest and most materially deprived communities in the region
to host displaced Zimbabweans. The versatile crisis gripping Zimbabwe
is therefore not only a national crisis but also a regional one.
Consequently, the massive external displacement of Zimbabweans into
the region has to be addressed if the SADC goals on poverty alleviation
are to be realized.
It is also important
to note the enthusiasm with which the Zambian government has cautioned
its SADC counterparts on their silence over the political and economic
situation in Zimbabwe.
As observed
in the past, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) in
conjunction with Centre for Children Affairs, (CEYCA), Civil Liberties
Committee (CILIC) and Christian Agency for Responsible Democracy
and Unity (CARDDENU) are concerned with the deterioration of political
and economic situation in Zimbabwe. We are also alarmed by the introduction
of draconian laws such as the Public
Order and Security Act, Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Access
to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, NGO Law and the
Interception Communication Law, which infringes on fundamental rights
and freedoms and civil liberties of ordinary.
Some time last
year, we cited the SADC leaders August 2001 communiqué following
the Blantyre summit of SADC heads of state expressing apprehension
on the effects of political and economic situation in Zimbabwe on
the region. The summit appointed a task force to work with the Zimbabwean
government on the issues, however little or nothing has materialized
to remedy the situation.
As concerned
civil society, we feel time is ripe to build on the resolutions
agreed by condemning in no uncertain terms the deteriorating human
rights situation in Zimbabwe. Zambia has taken the lead, we are
proud of them.
In addition,
we take note that Zambia's stand is a step in the right direction
noting that SADC leaders have continuously played double Standards
and preferred a silent approach at the expense of the suffering
people of Zimbabwe especially women and children, the hunger stricken,
and People Living with HIV and Aids.
Concerns have
also been voiced in the past on SADC's soft stance against
Zimbabwe. It can not be disputed that SADC leaders have failed the
People of Zimbabwe as they have supported President Mugabe in championing
undemocratic values, rigging elections, violent suppression of the
opposition while subverting justice, trampling on the media and
curtailing freedoms in every sphere of the society.
We therefore
urge SADC as a body to desist from silence and publicly condemn
the current human rights violations, lack of rule of law and genuine
democracy. Particularly, we urge them to call on President Robert
Gabriel Mugabe to:
- Ensure the
police impartially protect all Zimbabweans regardless of their
political affiliation.
- End all
harassment and guarantee constitutional rights to all Zimbabweans.
- Abandon
and repeal all repressive laws that undermine the rule of law
and
- Rights enshrined
in the Zimbabwe Constitution;
- Release
all political and human rights activitists currently in custody.
We call upon:
- SADC and
in particular South Africa to stop applying double standards and
pretending that all is well in Zimbabwe.
- SADC to
engage the United States and European Union inorder to pave a
strategy of resolving the crisis.
- SADC to
consider convening an urgent meeting to discuss the consequences
of the political and economic meltdown in Zimbabwe.
- The United
States and European Union to ease sanctions on Zimbabwe as they
do not affect Mugabe and his cronies but the poor vulnerable Zimbabweans.
- Our State
President Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika to take advantage of his personal
relationship with President Robert Mugabe and take lead in convening
the SADC leaders forum. Our President should cease shying away
from reality as that is tantamount to betrayal of the suffering
people of Zimbabwean and the SADC region.
Finally, we
cannot concur more with the Zambian government, SADC should not
pretend any longer that all is well in Zimbabwe. The problem is
serious and ostracizing Zimbabwe will not help the country and the
whole region.
Undule Mwakasungura
Rogers Newa
Executive Director - CHRR Executive Director - CEYCA
Peter Chisi
Francis Antonio
Deputy Executive Director - CILIC Deputy Executive -
CARDDENU
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