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Political violence report - September 2005 - Overview - NGO Forum
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
November 14, 2005

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Overview
The month of September saw a new wave of farm invasions in Manicaland where 4 cases were reported. These invasions followed the signing into law of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which among other things, strips away the right of appeal to the courts by aggrieved parties in cases where their land has been acquired by the state. The only appeal they are allowed is for compensation for the improvements on the land. The Forum notes with concern that this clause in the Constitutional Amendment Act No 17 violates Zimbabwe's international obligations, more particularly Article 7 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which states that "every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard". This right includes "the right to appeal to competent national organs against acts violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force."¹ The Forum urges the Government to respect and adhere to the international instruments to which it is a party.

The invasions also came in the wake of the precent statements made by State Security and Land Reform Minister, Didymus Mutasa who reportedly described white farmers as "dirt" which needed to be cleansed while speaking at a land audit meeting in Masvingo. These are irresponsible statements from a public official, which must not be condoned.

WOZA members demonstrated against poverty on 21 September, the International Day of Peace. The demonstrations took place in Harare and Bulawayo. Some of the demonstrators were reportedly assaulted, while some were arrested. The Forum deplores the heavy-handed manner with which the police handle demonstrators and urges them to respect the right to freedom of expression and assembly as enshrined in the Constitution and international instruments.

Three University of Zimbabwe student activists were reportedly arrested over allegations that they had incited public violence through a flier addressing sanitation, food, payout, transport and other student needs. The Forum urges the University authorities to deal with issues being raised by the students responsibly rather than victimise the students themselves.

Totals: 1 September-30 September 2005

Cumulative totals: 1 January - 30 September 2005

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1 Article 7 (1) (a) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' rights.

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