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Background Summary: Zimbabwe - June 2003
Oxfam Canada, Canadian Bar Association, Africafiles, Amnesty International Canada (English Speaking, Defence for Children International, Canadian Labour Congress
June 19, 2003

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Over the last few months there has been increased repression of civic and political opposition by the state security forces, including the military, police and by paramilitary youth associated with the ruling ZANU PF party (commonly known as the "green bombers"). This widespread and well documented state-sponsored violence against opposition supporters, workers, ordinary Zimbabweans and local communities escalated during the country-wide national "stay-away" or strike which took place in the first week of June.

The main objective of the national strike and non-violent non-cooperation campaign was to put pressure on President Mugabe to enter into negotiations with the opposition to solve the growing political and economic crisis in the country. During the strike economic activity in all major cities was shut down. However, mass demonstrations calling for government to speak with the opposition were prevented by systematic, illegal and violent repression by the government.

The police and army were on every street corner of Harare and Bulawayo and arrests of strategic leadership took place during the week. This threatening presence in the city prevented any gatherings of people. Millions of people stayed away from work, but were unable to demonstrate their views peacefully.

On June 6, police arrested Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, charged him with his second count of treason and placed him on remand. He has been held in jail since then, because the courts have been slow to process his application for bail. During this period government took extraordinary steps to silence and humiliate the opposition leader, for example by bringing him to court in shackles, handcuffs and prisoner "shorts" and sandals.

The overall economic statistics are stark:

• The economy has contracted by 35% in the past 5 years;
• Real GDP negative is currently forecast at between –12% and –17%;
• Current inflation is over 275% (official figures), private sector sources estimate 500% or more;
• Unemployment is over 70%;
• 80% of Zimbabweans live below the poverty line;
• Unprecedented food security crisis (7 of Zimbabwe’s 12 million people are now fed by external food donors).
• Fixed exchange rate is Z$840 to US$1, while the black market rate is presently between $1,500 and $2,200 to the $US.
• Price controls have been extended to almost every commodity, which is expected to result in further decreased production and therefore supply shortages;
• There continue to be long daily queues across the country for basic commodities such as maize, bread, milk, sugar, salt, etc. When one is able to purchase these basic commodities, they are grossly expensive;
• The shortage of fuel is worse than ever, with 2km long queues forming whenever there is the rumour of fuel;
• Power cuts are increasing as regional friends, including South Africa and Mozambique, are owed millions and see no reason to continue to supply Zimbabwe knowing full well the government has no ability to pay;
• A strong indicator of collapse is the recent acute shortage of Zimbabwe bank notes. The shortage of foreign currency has hampered the government’s ability to print more money. With the largest denomination being the Z$500 note (approximately 25 US cents) it costs the government more to produce the bill than it is worth. The result is that people wait in bank queues for three or more hours to receive a maximum of Z$5,000 (or US$2.50) from their accounts.
• The statistics on HIV/AIDS are horrific. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is such that 3,850 people die on a weekly basis up from 2,500 a year ago. The total number of orphans is over a million. Life expectancy has been reduced to 37 years, in a population where 2.3 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS. Due to increasing malnutrition and lack of treatment, AIDS mortality rates will rise, leaving more families without breadwinners and more child-headed households.

The recent repression is a continuation of the acts of violence and abuse against the people of Zimbabwe over the past several years. Fundamental liberties have also been suppressed systematically by several pieces of draconian legislation introduced or modified by President Mugabe’s government, including the notorious Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Broadcasting Services Act and the Electoral Act.

These laws violate numerous international and African human rights standards and practices by denying the freedoms of expression and association, and rights to citizenship. Furthermore these laws have been consistently enforced in a partisan manner, with the effect of silencing the political opposition and civil society.

In the current climate of fear and suppression, churches remain one of the last democratic spaces in Zimbabwe, providing voice, resistance and refuge for the oppressed. On the last day of the stay-away, June 6, a church service took place in Bulawayo. In spite of military presence and police intimidation, it was the only event at which 1,000 Zimbabweans were able to gather and speak of their fear, speak of the need for change, and of their right to be heard.

Food continues to be used as a political weapon in a country where, according to the World Food Programme, 5.5 million people will continue to need food aid over the next year. There is evidence that food aid has been denied to those who do not actively support ZANU PF. It must be noted that the government has used food as a political weapon in the past, when it deliberately starved ZAPU supporters in Matabeleland in 1984.

The opposition is standing their ground despite continued arrests, torture and victimization. They continue to advocate non-violent means of fighting injustice, mobilizing people to uphold their right to free speech and action. This consistently non-violent approach to political engagement has not been widely recognized and appreciated by the international community.

The situation in Zimbabwe also has direct and severe implications for regional stability. Millions of Zimbabweans have become economic and political refugees.

Efforts to end the crisis will require the combined efforts of governments and civil society groups. Fundamental human rights issues must be addressed, including bringing an end to political violence, arbitrary detention and torture, and combating impunity for human rights abusers. There must be a return to the rule of law, with measures put in place to ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary. Full freedom of expression and association must be restored urgently, in order to reinstate a climate in which dialogue about the current crisis and future peace can take place.

Zimbabwe Reference Group
Oxfam Canada
Amnesty International Canada (English Speaking)
Canadian Bar Association
Defence for Children International
Africafiles
Canadian Labour Congress

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