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LRF is satisfied that Amani Trust is a lawful organisation operating legally
Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
November 18 , 2002

The Trustees of the Legal Resources Foundation are dismayed and concerned at the statement attributed to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr July Moyo, in which he was reported as having stated in Parliament on 13 November 2002 that Amani Trust is operating illegally by reason of not having been registered in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.

The LRF is satisfied that Amani Trust is a lawful organisation operating legally, having been registered as a trust with the Registrar of Deeds. The LRF is satisfied that the requirements of NGOs to register under the Act or risk being deemed illegal and criminal are clearly unconstitutional as they violate several provisions of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of association.

The LRF therefore calls upon the Minister to desist and abstain from his threat to arrest or close down any so-called illegal NGOs, as such action is a clear violation of the freedom of association.

The LRF expresses full support and appreciation for the invaluable humanitarian work being done by Amani Trust. The Trust has given medical assistance to thousands of victims of violence. It has organised medical treatment for seriously injured persons and has given psychological therapy to traumatised victims. The Trust therefore deserves to be supported rather than attacked and demonised.

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