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While others celebrate, Zimbabwe mourns in shame
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
December 11, 2007

ZINASU joins Zimbabwe and the rest of the world in commemorating the International Human Rights Day. While other nation states take this day as a time to celebrate the protection and promotion of Human Rights in their countries that were born out of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, ZINASU mourns in shame the deliberate disregard of Human Rights by the Zimbabwean regime.

2007 will go down in record as the historical episode of serious and unprecedented human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Many human Rights activists where either tortured, capriciously arrested or unjustifiably detained. The flash moments/highlights of these abuses were the arrests and beatings of opposition and civil society leaders on March 11 2007, the illegal detention of a student leader at Masvingo Remand prison for 27 days in November 2007. Student leaders have also been subjects of persistent persecution; facing suspensions, summaries of dismissal, detentions and expulsions. December 10 becomes a day when we sadly reflect on the painful and grotesque human rights crisis in our country. Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which, in article 1, proclaims that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and Rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood," .Yet there continues to be serious disregard of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe.

In the face of such growing political mayhem and state sponsored terror campaigns, ZINASU also takes this opportunity to congratulate Human Rights Defenders who continue to resiliently fight for the realisation of a just and democratic Zimbabwe. Many have sacrificed their comfort and lives to push forward a shared vision of a Zimbabwe where Human Rights and fundamental freedoms are embraced. It is our prayer that the efforts of all, no matter humble and small, to the great and noble struggle will translate into positive and value adding realities.

ZINASU also takes this opportunity to reiterate its position as fighters for justice. We will continue to speak out against arbitrary arrests and torture, we will continue to speak out against state-sponsored violence aimed at innocent civilians, we will continue to demand the repeal of unjust and repressive laws such as the Public Order and Security Act, we will continue to demand an efficient justice delivery system, we will continue to speak out against the deliberate impoverishment of the masses by a gluttonous handful of looters and power-hungry men and women who constitute the current regime. We will continue to demand affordable and good quality education and skills development for all.

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