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Zim Government must respect Pillay's advice
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
May 29, 2012

Another call has been made for parties to the coalition government to make compromises that bring about a shared vision of a Zimbabwe that promotes, protects and respects human rights. This follows reflections made by the visiting UN Commissioner of Human Rights Pillay Navanethem, that human rights abuses are a reality and that a lot needs to be done to overcome the challenge.

Ms Pillay presented an array of issues ranging from polarization as evidenced by "dramatically opposing narrative", implications of AIPPA, POSA to the Broadcasting Services Act. She additionally raised concerns over the Zimbabwe Media Commission which she said appears more concerned with controlling and censoring media than with promoting freedom of expression. She also advised on the adoption of a whole package of recommendations made by other nations during the Universal Periodic Review late last year.

It is time that those benefitting from the perpetration of human rights violations, impunity and want to maintain the status quo admit that all the employed tricks to hide asymmetrical power relations and related oppressions have failed. Pillay's report should mark a turning point of events as failure to address those issues and follow recommendations provided will continue to taint national image. Those wielding power have tried this strategy of carrying out guided tours to no avail. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka humiliated them in 2005 when she produced a damning report on effects of Operation Murambatsvina despite the application of the hook and crook tactics. Efforts to hide human rights violations in Chiadzwa have also failed on several occasions. This is exactly why the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association advocates for an end to all these human rights abuses and those who are responsible to be held accountable. Zimbabwe needs to get back on international map but certainly not for wrong reasons.

Credit has to be given to Ms Pillay for her unfettered findings and recommendations despite working under restrictive conditions. We applaud her professionalism and generosity to offer technical support as promised and the hope is that relevant authorities will borrow a leaf from results of her visit.

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