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Statement relating to the recent meeting in Kariba between officials of the Government of Zimbabwe and CBOs
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)
October 04, 2006

In an effort to help open up spaces in which civil society can tackle government about the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe, the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) supported the recent UNDP meeting in Kariba between government representatives and CBOs, on one condition that it not be used as a vehicle for the setting up of a National Human Rights Commission. At this stage, it is not another puppet commission that we need but a commitment by government to desist from brutalising its population, to uphold the rule of law and to foster an all-inclusive human-rights culture in Zimbabwe.

GALZ, alongside many other groups, feels that, given its track record, government cannot be trusted to come to the table in good faith. In this regard, GALZ raised the question about whether government might set preconditions and question the presence of gay and lesbian people in the CBO delegation. On the day before the meeting, we had our question answered: government objected to the presence of GALZ.

GALZ, along with many other human rights groups, declined to attend the Kariba meeting, unconvinced that government would not try to use it as a rubberstamping exercise for its commission. But whether or not GALZ decided to participate, government had no right to question our presence in the CBO delegation. Gay and lesbian people are one of the most stigmatised groups in Zimbabwe and it is about time that government started to address our issues in a positive manner.

Keith Goddard
Director (GALZ)

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