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Mass evictions and arrests in violation of International Human Rights
Solidarity Peace Trust
June 07, 2005

DURBAN - The Solidarity Peace Trust expresses deep concern and shock at the recent developments in Zimbabwe. The systematic destruction of people's livelihoods and shelter by members of the police and army (acting under instruction from the ruling party's Politburo) under the guise of stamping out illegal trading is both illegal and inhumane. It has rendered thousands of people jobless and homeless with little or no income at a time when unemployment exceeds 80 per cent and alternative shelter unavailable.

This brutal action, reminiscent of the apartheid security forces action against shack dwellers and informal traders in the 1980's in South Africa, is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The arrest and detention of thousands of street vendors around the country, for what the government calls illegal trading is both calculated and vindictive. Information at our disposal reveals that informal trading is the only source of income for these families, and taking away their livelihoods under the present economic climate is condemning them to starvation. We are also shocked at the deliberate mass destruction of informal settlements in various parts of the country in the middle of winter without due consideration for the welfare of the families that occupy them. According to eyewitness accounts (including statements received by the Solidarity Peace Trust), these people have been left absolutely destitute with no means of income generating or alternate accommodation. Many are camped alongside the road with nothing but the meager belongings they were able to rescue from their razed shacks. We are deeply concerned by the 'don't care attitude' of certain responsible politicians to the wave of human suffering created by these so called "clean up operations", and are disturbed by the deliberate and willful disregard for International Human Rights Law that these action demonstrate.

The Solidarity Peace Trust calls on the government of Zimbabwe to immediately stop the mass evictions that have left whole communities homeless and thousands without livelihoods. We appeal to the police and army in Zimbabwe to stop harming innocent people and to conduct their duties in an impartial and even-handed manner without regard for political affiliation. We urge them to uphold the International Human Rights Law to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. We call on the churches to open their doors to the homeless. We call on all people who have the means and resources to please support relief organizations and churches offering shelter, food and clothing to the affected people.

Finally, we appeal to all the church leaders of Zimbabwe to stand up and speak out against these atrocities.

Bishop Rubin Phillip
Co-Chairperson & Trustee

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