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Deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe
The Botswana Centre for Human Rights (DITSHWANELO), Gaborone
February 07, 2003

DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights would like to express its continuing concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe. Since 2000, DITSHWANELO has conducted solidarity action with civil society organisations in Zimbabwe in support of the people of Zimbabwe.

According to the 24 January 2003 report of Amnesty International, there has been a recent wave of arbitrary arrests of opposition MDC party members and members of civil society, by the police. These arrests, according to Amnesty International, seem to be part of a strategy by the Zimbabwe authorities to stifle public protest while the world's attention is focussed on the country during the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to commence on 8 February 2003. Possible reasons for moving the matches from Zimbabwe have, to date, centered on the security of the cricketers. However, DITSHWANELO believes that the focus should have been on whether or not Zimbabwe is complying with acceptable standards of human rights. The clear link between issues of politics and those of sport cannot be ignored.

DITSHWANELO condemns political murders, torture, extra-judicial measures, arbitrary arrests and detention, and sexual assaults including rape which continue to occur in Zimbabwe. These are violations which are contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Zimbabwe is a state party. It has been reported to DITSHWANELO that supporters of ZANU - PF regularly receive food whilst those of the opposition MDC do not.

DITSHWANELO is concerned that the judiciary, too, have been affected by the political situation. Judicial officers who have ruled against the ruling party have reportedly received threats from the ZANU - PF, whilst others have been harassed and/or assaulted. Attention is drawn to the arbitrary arrest and detention of former High Court judge, Justice Blackie on 13 September 2002.

DITSHWANELO believes that a key component of a functioning democracy is a strong independent media and a vibrant civil society. Reports reaching DITSHWANELO indicate that the government of Zimbabwe is continuing to stifle the media by preventing the dissemination of information related to human rights violations. At least sixteen (16) journalists have been arrested for allegedly contravening various provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act since its enactment on 15 March, 2002.

DITSHWANELO is alarmed by the allegations of the suppression of civil society by the Zimbabwe government. There is currently a proposed law reform exercise intended to curtail the right and freedoms of civil society and a continued threat to deregister NGOs perceived to be critical of the government or those funded by American and British governments.

DITSHWANELO believes that the land question is a legitimate issue and supports equitable land redistribution in Zimbabwe. However, the method in which it was done is clearly uneconomical and unfair. According to TIME Magazine's article of 22 December 2002, some of the land that was given to friends and members of the ruling elite in the controversial land redistribution plan is currently underutilized and in some cases, now lies fallow. This will only exacerbate the current food shortage. It is important that farming land be properly managed for the benefit of all the people of Zimbabwe and to improve the country's food security situation. Unemployment has risen to over 60%. This includes 100,000 farm workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the controversial land reform programme. Foreign currency, which was once generated by large farming operations is now in short supply. Without this money, the country cannot import essential goods such as food, fuel, and machinery to support its economy.

The continued silence by SADC and AU implies support for this conduct which is contrary to the spirit of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. In addition, the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation provides for the observance of universal human rights. The African Union Constitutive Act, states that the state parties are "....to promote and protect human and peoples' rights, consolidate democratic institutions and culture, and to ensure good governance and the rule of law."

DITSHWANELO strongly urges SADC, the AU and their member states to end their public silence on the gross injustices in Zimbabwe. DITSHWANELO further urges SADC member states to honour their obligations under the African Union, in order to ensure a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the situation prevailing in Zimbabwe.

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