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Operating environment of the legal profession in Zimbabwe in 2003
Zimbawe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
December 24, 2003

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Foreward
The year 2003 has been a difficult one for lawyers in Zimbabwe. In the worsening human rights climate, tremendous demands have been made on human rights lawyers. There have been so many arrests of human rights defenders that human rights lawyers were called upon to attend to. Every time there has been any kind of mass protest, human rights lawyers have been called out. There have been mass protests by the NCA, WOZA, the ZCTU, and other civic movements. On each occasion, great numbers of people were arrested, and human rights lawyers found themselves stretched to provide adequate service to all the people who were arrested. Some of our lawyers have burnt out this year. Many of our members have exhibited amazing degrees of commitment and dedication. Names such as Kucaca Phulu, Perpetua Dube, Beatrice Mtetwa, Jacob Mafume, Alec Muchadehama, Trust Maanda, Andrew Makoni, Irene Petras, Otto Saki and Lawrence Chibwe have become well known to the public and the police, as champions of human rights and defenders of the downtrodden.

Human Rights lawyers have themselves been subject to abuse by the police and other extra judicial forces as is evident from this annual report on the operating environment of the legal profession in Zimbabwe in the year 2003. It is a pathetic human rights record for our police force that lawyers have suffered abuse at the hands of the police. It is also a reflection of a lack of commitment by our Government to the protection and promotion of human rights. We have regressed to the extent that those organs of the state, which should be protecting and upholding human rights, such as the police, are the ones who are the most guilty of violating people's rights. It is even more damning that their attacks have been aimed at human rights lawyers and human rights defenders.

On a positive note, the spirit with which lawyers have consistently maintained the fight for justice and human rights is commendable. Alec Muchadehama may have been nominated human rights lawyer of the year in Zimbabwe, but many lawyers deserve laurels for the sterling work that they have done throughout the year. Beatrice Mtetwa did the legal profession proud by winning an international prize, the Peace and Justice Human Rights Lawyer of the year award, while Arnold Tsunga was runner up in the international prize, Martin Ennals Award of the Human Rights Defender of the year. We are proud of these achievements by these dedicated members of our association. We are also encouraged and challenged by their spirit and dedication.

As we enter 2004, we do so with apprehension. We have no cause to believe it will be a better year than the last. We have, however, girded our loins and are ready to continue the struggle for human rights, justice, peace and equality. Whatever 2004 may bring to the legal profession; whatever the legal profession may have to face in the new year, it is important that the profession remain committed and united to the cause of giving our country justice and relief in difficult times. We know that with commitment and dedication, we will attain our dream of freedom from impunity and tyranny, and justice for all our people.

Nokuthula Moyo
Chairperson

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