Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

The Board of Trustees of ROHR Zimbabwe wishes to notify its members within and outside Zimbabwe, stakeholders, funding partners, civil society members and human rights defenders that consequent to a Board meeting held on the 21^st and 22^nd of July 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was resolved that Stendrick Zvorwadza, former Vice President, Ronald Mureverwi and Edgar Chikuvire both former members are no longer part of ROHR Zimbabwe. The three expelled themselves from the Board of Trustees following breaches to the ROHR Zimbabwe founding Deeds and By-laws. They therefore cannot legally represent ROHR Zimbabwe in any capacity or enter into any agreement on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe. ROHR Zimbabwe board of Trustees will not assume any legal liability on any agreements entered into by Stendrick Zvorwadza, Ronald Mureverwi and Edgar Chikuvire purportedly on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe

As for Ms Grace Mupfurutsa, whilst she accepted the President’s offer to join as a Trustee, she neither attended any board meeting for 4 years nor was she actively involved with ROHR Zimbabwe.  Hence, she never got to be confirmed as a board member and consequently, has no right to act or speak on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe.

The organization continues to work tirelessly to achieve its founding aims and objectives, that is, to build a culture of and respect for human rights. The President of the organization extends gratitude to all the stakeholders for standing with ROHR and for the ongoing support.

Ephraim Tapa
ROHR Zimbabwe Founder and Board Chairperson

It is appalling that at this day and age and in the wake of this coalition Government, basic human rights are still as scarce in Zimbabwe as they were a decade ago. This has often included restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, torture, detainment without due process and murder.

I recall the likes of Edgar Tekere who fell out of favour for daring to stand against ZANU PF and sadly died in poverty. Or Patrick Kombayi who got shot for choosing to stand against ZANU PF in an election. There are even grimmer cases of those who have paid with their own lives for being in opposition but no one has been held accountable for their deaths.

ROHR Zimbabwe applauds the efforts of all those who selflessly stand up for human rights and are prepared to face imprisonment in pursuit of basic human rights regardless of their political affiliations.

The recent protests carried out by ROHR Activists, at which 13 were arrested, helped secure the release of Glen View suspects accused of being involved in the murder of a policeman.  Hats off to ROHR Board meeting held recently in South Africa at which the decision to take action was made. My heart also goes to the gallant 13 who were arrested and attacked for daring standing up against repression and for justice.

With this in mind, it is time that unity of purpose is allowed to prevail within the human rights movement at large and in particular, within rank and file of ROHR Zimbabwe activists, as we celebrate the many achievements that ROHR Zimbabwe, under the able leadership of Ephraim Tapa. Without a doubt, his campaign for an improved human rights situation in Zimbabwe has been tireless and selfless. All energies should therefore be expended on championing rights and fostering an environment of peace, justice and freedom.

Evidently the positive results yielded by these protests bear testimony to the power of the people and ROHR’s resolve to better the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. Such victorious  moments should encourage all those within ROHR  and all peace loving out there, to do more  for the countless  Zimbabweans who are still languishing in prisons and torture camps scattered all over the country.  For change to happen, sacrifices have to be made, so let’s all come together united for the betterment of our country and the improvement of human rights in Zimbabwe.

By Haiza Juma
Human Rights Activist