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Peace and democracy: Make your voice heard
Crisis
in Zimbabwe Coalition
September 16, 2011
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds
of men that the defences of peace must be constructed."
(UNESCO
Constitution, 1945)
Crisis in Zimbabwe
Coalition joins the rest of the world in commemorating The International
Day of Peace and Democracy. The day comes at a time when the world
is facing challenges of dramatic proportions characterised by civil
unrest, politically motivated violence, civil wars and strife. The
cry for peace seems to be drowned by the noises of dictators refusing
to leave power and virtual monarchs oppressing their own people.
In the midst of such challenges, this year's theme, "Peace
and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard," indicates that there
is a causal relationship between sustainable peace and the people's
ability to be able to vent, and cry wolf when the situation demands
it. The theme allows for a reflection on the Zimbabwean situation,
as it makes it clear that the artificial peace enjoyed in the country,
which is not predicated on sound institutions and people's
ability to exercise their freedoms, and enjoy their rights, is nothing,
if not fragile.
The fact that
the day coincides with the 3rd Anniversary of the signing of the
Global
Political Agreement (GPA), puts the Zimbabwean situation in
sharp contrast to the aspirations and spirit of the day. The harassment,
intimidation and muzzling of citizens is on the upsurge, with continued
infringements and interference by the state in church and religious
matters. These attacks on the "Peace makers" flies in
the spirit and aspirations for peace, and is aided in its assault
on the need for peace by the constant hounding and harassment of
journalists, physical and psychological victimisation of ordinary
citizens, and the continued use of prosecution for purposes of persecuting
perceived opponents of ZANU PF.
The Coalition
contends, on this day, that Zimbabwe's aspirations for lasting
peace should be complemented by substantial promotion of the culture
of peace, professionalism and restraint on the part of uniformed
forces, as well as the reform of laws and institutions which are
anathema to peace. The Coalition calls upon Zimbabweans to observe
and celebrate this day through increased calls for the respect of
the rule of law, and reforms to laws, institutions and attitudes
that by their nature fight against the promotion of peace, tolerance,
the respect for human rights and democracy, in our country.
The Coalition
cautions the Inclusive government from continuing to engage in actions
that spit in the faces of Zimbabwe's suffering masses, as
exemplified by the recent lavish spending of government on luxury
vehicles. This is taking place in a country where the government
is said to be broke, delivery of essential social services is poor
and where civil servants cannot even afford bus fares. Such actions
are infuriating, and can be a threat to peace.
As the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, it is important
to keep in mind that democracy is an objective, democratization
is a process and lastly that democratization serves the cause of
peace, justice and progressive change without force. Let us continue
to strive together for a more inclusive, democratic, and peaceful
future for us all.
Visit the Crisis
in Zimbabwe fact
sheet
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