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Rehabilitation works and is a torture survivor's right
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
June 25, 2012

Zimbabwe Human Rights Association joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2012 United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture annually held on the 26th of June. We are once again offered an opportunity to remind each other that torture is a gross violation of human rights and that perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted.

Zimbabweans have suffered some of the worst forms of torture with the peak experience during the 2008 pre and post-election period. Torture camps and bases were erected in which people were beaten, killed, maimed and raped. No material government efforts have been put in place to cater for those who survived such atrocities yet the nation is again expecting similar processes in the near future. Even with the inception of the Inclusive government, torture, violence and intimidation have continued. Prospects are to have a constitutional referendum before end of this year after which the nation will go for an election. Yet, the effects 2008 election period are still haunting many Zimbabweans. Given this background it is essential to advocate for ways and strategies to end torture.

Many people dread governance processes, particularly elections in Zimbabwe as they are marred by violence and all sorts of degrading and ill-treatment of human beings. On this day we highlight on the fact that all stakeholders must play a part in eradicating torture. Zimbabwe's security sector which comprises of the police, army and CIO must play their part in promoting the respect of human rights, hence end torture.

In line with this year's theme, rehabilitation empowers torture victims to resume as full a life as possible. We also acknowledge that rebuilding the life of someone whose dignity has been tortured is a gradual process and is the result of long-term material, medical, psychological and social support.

We also take this opportunity to commend the decision by the Government of Zimbabwe to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture and criminalise all kinds of degrading and inhuman treatment. The decision is desirable and was long overdue. It was announced by the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs at the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council last week in Geneva when he presented the government's final position on recommendations made to Zimbabwe during the interactive dialogue at the 12th Session of the Universal Periodic Review in October 2011.

Salutations also go to the cabinet's adoption of Code of Conduct of the Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration. This will help ensure that political parties be held accountable for their supporters' violent conduct among other things. In addition, this casts a ray of hope taking into account the continued and apparent increase in the victimization of human rights activists as well as perceived agents of regime change.

ZimRights hopes that the development will go a long way in the eradication of torture particularly during national events and governance processes such as the referendum and elections. We commend the authorities for finally heeding the call from the majority of Zimbabweans who fell victim to the torture and is acknowledgement that torture exists and needs to be addressed.

We however, remain concerned over circumstances surrounding the Human Rights Commission Bill. It is taking too long for the instrument to be effected into operation. We also condemn the authorities' defiance on the retrospective mandate of the commission. Investigations by the commission should go beyond the February 13 2009 to include Gukurahundi genocide among others. We remain concerned about that as it compromises the liberties of the commission. It is our hope that the matter will soon be put to finality.

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