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Two reports on ROHR Masvingo Province (Bikita West) Clothes Distribution Programme 18th September 2009

Sun, 27 Sep 09 19:04 administrator
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 REPORT 1 

Venue – Chinanga Village, Ward 32. Bikita West Constituency. Masvingo
No of Beneficiaries – 48 

Introduction
The Chinanga village, Masvingo clothes distribution exercise was the first of its kind in the operations of ROHR Zimbabwe aimed at the achievement of the undersigned objectives. The items were donated by ROHR Zimbabwe Chemelsford Branch, UK. The driving force behind the programme was aimed at setting an example of what constitutes a good and desirable national healing programme we want as the people of Zimbabwe. We believe in a process which begins with truth, justice then reconciliation. As ROHR Zimbabwe, we believe that the political victims should be compensated without fail, the perpetrators be brought to book and then reconciliation follow. We do not and will never accept the proposed government process (forgive and forget) which entails leaving important aspects of the process like arresting the perpetrators and compensating the victims. 

The beneficiaries were drawn from two wards, ward 32 under Councillor Zondai Chinanga, and ward 11 under Councillor Rukweza both of MDC-T. Both councillors were in attendance. The Member of Parliament of the constituency is Hon. Heya Shoko of MDC-T. Other members who made the delegation include Mr. Ray Muzenda the ROHR Zimbabwe National Chairman, Clifford Hlatywayo the Programmes Director, Mr Timothy Ndongwe Provincial Vice Chairperson, Mr Murambatsvina Provincial Organising Secretary, Charles Magombedze the acting Bikita ROHR Zimbabwe Chairman, Mr. Cassiano Rukomwe the Masvingo Province Field officer. 

Aims and Objectives of the Programme
§         Setting an example of how National healing should be done
§         Material support for victims of and beyond the 27 June 2008 political violence.
·         Taking ROHR Zimbabwe’s activities to the grassroots.
·         Consolidating ROHR Zimbabwe’s programmes to be centred on improving peoples lives.
·         Facilitating the provision of relevant support services to victims of human rights violations. 

The Beneficiaries
Mollen Tavengwa, Samson Madhande, Musengi Jokoniya, Clifford Marozva, John Urawa, Beula Garobhe, Maturunane, Gladys Jaricha, Mirriam Mananga, Esnath Mujore, Rosania Njarava, Madhuhu Theresa, Murema Evelyn, Machiya Nyengeterai, Zvahumbira Nyaradzo, Amber Mamei, Shumbu Vaida, Musengi Modesta, Chidhakwa Alice, Foroma Energy, Mwanza Anna, Pakini Charity, Chipengura Cecilia, Muza Mavis, Kuhava Judith, Marozva Paida, Tumbure Laiza, Mapanga Tinotenda, Moyo Veronica, Bvuka Chara, Muza Lovemore, Masawi Ropafadzo, Bhuka Esther, Chari Emma, Mapurisa Ndowenyu, Chari Eustina, Chibaya Loice, Chinanga Dorothy, Moyo Laiza, Munahi Brian, Nomwedzo Ben, Tanda Ndivindivi, Zvirinani Teererai, Chinyanga Faith, Chipare Davison, Muchafa Semai, Mudanhi Judith and Shangwa Dorren 

Resolutions from deliberations
·         That programmes like these be increased as they help bring ROHR Zimbabwe to the people and popularise its mission and objectives.
·         That more clothes and other support services be sourced as there are many victims who need assistance.
·         Since there are victims with fresh wounds from the 27 June violent campaign, the National Chairman pledged on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe that we are going to help them for medication. 

Achievements
·         The clothing items were distributed to the victims of politically motivated violence.
·         People in Bikita West got to know ROHR Zimbabwe physically and better. 

Challenges
·         The items were limited. The number of the affected and needy surpassed the available items.
·         Transport problems to the intended destination as a result of limited financial resources 

Recommendations
·         Programmes of this type be increased
·         More clothes be sourced to cater for more victims

Overall rating: Very successful

CEO’s Remarks
So many people suffered losses in the last ten years as a result of political violence orchestrated by ZANU PF. Thus, Zimbabweans are traumatised to such an extent that if an election is called today and the victims have not been attended to they cannot stand the pressure of intimidation. It is our responsibility to strengthen them; to heal them of this trauma they are currently going through. This gesture is small but it goes a long way in setting the path and pace towards genuine national healing which subsequently leads to the democratisation of this country. It is therefore important that we systematically identify the victims of political violence and help them before any election is done in the country. 

Conclusion
There are quite a number of opportunities and activities that ROHR Zimbabwe can exploit and undertake which will lead to its recognition in society for improving people’s lives. This exercise is one such activity and judging from the feelings of the beneficiaries it was a resounding success. The Chief Executive Officer Mr Tichanzii Gandanga extends gratitude to Martha Angeline Magwaza and her branch on behalf of ROHR Zimbabwe for the items they donated, as they have made a great impact to the beneficiaries and for the organisation as a whole. He would also like to extend special thanks to Rodah Kuhlengisa of ROHR Zimbabwe Hayes branch for the donation of office equipment and video camera that was used to capture the proceedings and photos on this occasion. Such donations are critical for programmes like these and it remains our desire that each province be adequately equipped. ROHR Zimbabwe stands a greater chance of growing bigger and known throughout all corners of Zimbabwe if programmes like these continue to be done.  Mr. Gandanga is thus appealing to all well wishers to make donations so that this programme can be taken to other constituencies facing similar situations. 

Prepared by: Programmes and Networking Department.   

REPORT 2 

Villagers of Wards 11 and 32 of Bikita West constituency gathered on Friday around 1300hrs at Muti munyoro to receive a donation of clothes from a ROHR Zimbabwe team led by the National Chairman Ray Muzenda. The handover ceremony was attended by ward 11 Councillor Mr. Rukweza and ward 32 Councillor Mr. Zondai Chinanga. 

Councillor Chinanga hailed the people of his ward for remaining resolute despite the suffering they went through during the March-June 2008 bloody election violence. He described the violence that characterised ward 32 as ‘bloody.’ 

Vulnerable women and children were the worst affected as more often than not they were subjected to severe beatings as punishment when the intended targets were not found at home. Children missed school as they resorted to sleeping in the bushes in fear of their lives. 

Mrs Evelyn Murerwa, Nyengetedzai Machiya, Eustina and Anna Chari, Gladys Tavengwa and Evelyn Maware were identified by the villagers present at the handover ceremony as some of the worst affected victims with threatening wounds that require urgent attention. The National Chairman for ROHR Zimbabwe, Ray Muzenda pledged medical assistance for all the villagers who sustained injuries from the organised violence of last year’s elections. Those needing assistance were told to report to the ROHR Zimbabwe Masvingo Office, number 7 Robin House. 

From the interviews that were carried out by ROHR Zimbabwe from the same occasion it emerged that most of the crimes of violence were committed by known people who reside in the same village. The most featuring on the list of the people who promoted acts of violence were Chief Marozva, and businessman and ZANU PF losing Councillor Candidate for ward 32, Mvuto.  

Councillor Chinanga expressed gratitude to Martha Angelina Magwaza of ROHR UK Chelmsford branch for the donation of clothes and remembering the plight of the victims of politically organised violence. 

Following an outburst by Mrs Eustina Chari who was brutally assaulted by ZANU PF supporters, that the national healing will never be achieved, it emerged that, before people can make constructive contribution to National Healing it is a pre-requisite to embark on education awareness campaigns on the available approaches to transitional justice which include restorative and retributive justice.  

Societies emerging from a past painful legacy like Zimbabwe can try a number of transitional justice options hinged on the rule of law from which to reconcile people and communities to prevent future abuses of human rights. People need to be taught on the various transitional justice methods which include Criminal prosecutions, Truth commissions, Reparations and Institutional reforms. 

ROHR Zimbabwe Masvingo Provincial Vice Chairperson, Mr. Timothy Ndongwe encouraged the villagers to remain law abiding citizens and refrain from taking revenge as that would induce them to the same levels of their assailants. He emphasised that although he too was a victim of political violence, it was foolish to seek justice outside the confines of the law.  

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe is a radical grassroots based organisation working towards promoting a culture of human rights through community mobilisation, capacity building and active responses to human rights challenges in Zimbabwe. As an organisation we believe in the incredible power of the community as a structure unit for people to defend, protect and champion their fundamental human rights and responding to issues that affect their daily lives. 

Being aware of the role that was played by the jobless youths in acting as instruments of violence under the auspices of politicians, as an organisation we acknowledge the central role that the youths have to play in transforming the nation from a culture of widespread human rights abuses towards a democratic society that embraces differences in political activities and engagements at the same time upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under international law. 

ROHR Zimbabwe is currently holding Leadership Development and Capacity Building Workshops in the country’s ten provinces creating networks with communities, like minded organisations and individuals in the fight for human rights. Other projects underway include the Demand for Justice and Truth Campaign which is advocating for a holistic victim centred National Healing Process that captures three broad steps TRUTH, JUSTICE and COMPENSATION. 

NB Videos clips of the interviews with victims of political violence from ward 11 and 32 are available upon request. 

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe 

Last Updated ( Sun, 27 Sep 09 19:11 )
 

Statement from ROHR Zimbabwe members on the Commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace – 21st September 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 09 21:56 administrator
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We the concerned members of Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe, who suffered serious human rights violations during last year’s election period, worried by the reluctance by the organ on Integration and Reconciliation on making concrete moves towards the establishment of a holistic National Healing process, we hereby raise fundamental issues to achieving lasting peace. 

Reminding the organ on Reconciliation and Integration that we suffered gross human rights violations of immense proportional levels varying from the loss of beloved ones to abductions and murder, loss of valuable property to theft, our family members were exposed to inhuman treatment like torture and rape, homes were destroyed and families were torn apart as we were fleeing violence. All these crimes were committed as organized violence for political expediency by supporters of ZANU Pf, youth militia and state agents. 

Understanding that under the Global Political Agreement the three political parties to the coalition government, ZANU Pf and the two MDC formations resolved under article 7 ‘to achieve national healing, cohesion and unity in respect of the victims of pre and post independence political conflicts’ and also under article 15 ‘to expedite the determination as to whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution or keeping on remand of all persons accused of politically related offences arising out of or connected with the March and June 2008 elections’ under the principles of the rule of law and the highest law of the land, the Zimbabwean Constitution. 

Being aware that ‘peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs’ guaranteed under the Zimbabwean, regional and International law and that for the achievement of thus there should be good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and democratization. 

Cognizant of the fact that the coalition government has been in existence for close to a year now, we hold that the organ on Integration and Reconciliation, has been reluctant in making steps towards addressing the historic imbalances created by the orgy of organized political violence as duly agreed by the three political parties when they appended their signatures to the Global Political Agreement of September 2008.

We note, with grave concern that the people who were responsible for fanning and carrying out acts of violence during the March and June elections 2008 are not only walking free but are still leaving as symbols of remembrance for the need for justice and their continued stay in the communities is a painful reminder and constant intimidation to us who bore the brunt and scars of their tyranny.  We further hold that without the prosecution of the perpetrators of human rights violations, the communities will continue to live in fear of the reoccurrence of the pain they endured during the 2008 harmonized elections.  I

n observing the International Day of Peace, following the United Nations resolution in 2002 to set aside 21 September as the permanent day ‘to concentrate the efforts of the UN and its member states, as well as the whole of mankind, to promoting the ideals of Peace and to giving positive evidence of their commitment to Peace in all visible ways’ we hereby state our demands directed to the organ on Integration and Reconciliation and to the August House:
·         We demand the establishment of the truth and for the truth to be told on the political violence which swept the country in the March and June 2008 elections as the first step towards attainment of true sustainable peace and National Healing.
·         We demand that the National Healing exercise be victim centered encompassing three broad steps, the establishment of the Truth, Justice and Compensation for the victims.
·         We demand that all the people who actively or indirectly participated in the acts of political violence and human violations be brought to book and face trial for the crimes committed under the constitutional of Zimbabwe and International Law.
·         We demand compensation from the government on the loss of property and personal belongings during the March and June 2008 election political violence.
·         Government officials who are implicated directly or indirectly in the last year’s election violence should step down from holding public office. No one is immune from the law under the Zimbabwean constitution. The organ on National Healing should lunch an investigation on the allegations of government officials who are implicated in directly or indirectly promoting acts of violence and violation of human rights. 

We demand transparency and accountability on the part of the organ of Integration and Reconciliation on carrying out its mandate as stipulated in the Global Political Agreement

Last Updated ( Tue, 22 Sep 09 22:00 )
 

SADC disregards calls to address Zimbabwe's problems

Thu, 10 Sep 09 22:53 administrator
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The Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) predictable stance on Zimbabwe on the just ended Summit held in the Democratic Republic of Congo leaves a lot to be desired. Despite the calls from the MDC and civic groups to have Zimbabwe tabled at the summit, the guarantor to the troubled coalition government dismissed the Zimbabwean crisis as less pressing.  

The decision not to put Zimbabwe on the agenda of the Kinshasa summit leaves Mugabe and ZANU PF as the victors at the expense of the people of Zimbabwe.  Mugabe and his party will continue to enjoy the status of a problem child in the absence of a checks and balance system in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement between the three political parties. 

Six months after the formation of the coalition government, its full implementation has been stalled by Mugabe’s refusal to agree on the appointment of the Reserve bank Governor and the Attorney General, swearing in of Roy Bennett as the deputy minister of Agriculture. Although these are the pressing issues from the Movement of Democratic change’s point of view, as succinctly noted by Irene Petras director of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) ,'democratization remains a challenge.’ Since the formation of the coalition government no repressive laws have been repealed. 

Draconian media laws POSA and AIPPA are still intact. The public is starved of object information and left to vitriol messages and ZANU Pf propaganda from the state media. The apparatus of violence which manifested during the period preceding the June election period still remains intact; there is no genuine effort towards reforming state institutions.   

The plight of prisoners in state prisons is cause of concern. Zimbabwe Prisons Service is currently operating below the minimal standards set by the United Nations amidst fears that prisoners are dying of starvation, diseases and torture.   

It still remains to be seen if Mugabe and ZANU Pf have genuine concerns for the people of Zimbabwe that surpass their narrow partisan interest in this marriage of convenience at a time when Zimbabwe is in need of a visionary leadership. The disruption of the All Stakeholders Constitutional Convention at the Harare International Conference Centre by ZANU Pf party thugs is a testimony of party politics at the expense of the nation as a whole. 

Foreign aid and investment will remain a far cry as long as the government fails to guarantee the rule of law, respect human rights, exercise good governance and honor property rights under bi-contractual agreements with other member states from the region. The refusal by the justice minister Patrick Chinamasa to honor the ruling by the SADC Tribunal in favor of 78 white farmers facing eviction under the chaotic farm evasions is a bad precedence on the part of the Zimbabwean government. Not only does it further dent the country’s battered image on the failure to uphold the rule of law, but it also undermines the integrity of SADC as a body in its endeavor to finding solutions to African problems. 

What ZANU Pf does not understand about the targeted sanctions is that, it is they not the MDC, who need to rebuild a credible brand, convince the world that they have now repented from their oppressive rule and are now sincere about democratic reforms. Readiness to accept the people’s right to choose leaders of their choice is also a critical pre-requisite in installing aid confidence.  

Last Updated ( Thu, 10 Sep 09 22:56 )
 

Five Bindura men face eviction from Foothills farm

Sun, 30 Aug 09 18:45 administrator
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Five residents of Foothills farm were on Thursday attacked, and their homes destroyed, by a gang of six ZANU Pf youths hired by former mayor of Bindura, Webster Bepura, for resisting eviction. Webster Bepura is evicting the five from a farm that he took over from David Baliey during the farm invasions in 2003. 

Around 0700hrs in the morning, Jacob Chiripanyanga a self confessed war veteran, accompanied by Webster Bepura , Masanzu, Nhauriro and other three unidentified man stormed the homes of Obert Mujeri and his colleagues, beat them up using sticks and clenched fist before confiscating a bicycle belonging to Lanos Zakeo.   

Obert Mujeri, Fanuel Musona, Lanos Zakeo, Lazaurus Mafunga and Gift Mhembere, have lived at Foot-hills farm all their lives until hell broke loose when they were given a notice to vacate the farm before the 29th of August. They believe they are being targeted because of their support to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) . 

In a shocking move, constable Nyekete from Bindura Rural Police Station, refused to open a docket for the case but instead opted to give the assaulted a letter to deliver to their assailants. The letter summoning Jacob Chiripanyanga and company to Bindura Rural Police Station read: “Bindura Rural Police Station: You are hereby summoned to Bindura Police station without fail tomorrow Friday 28 August to explain why u have assaulted Lanos Zakeo and others please bring the bicycle you have taken back. Constable Nyekete.” 

The rights of farm workers continue to be violated with impunity, as law enforcement agents ignore their plight. It is regrettable, that despite the existence of the six months old coalition government, the rule of law remains elusive and the police continue to act unprofessionally especially in cases that are politically motivated involving culprits from the ZANU Pf party. If ever the law is applied, it is done so selectively. 

In a separate incident, residents of Bindura are living in constant fear following threats of violence made by Mathias Machiridza, a ZANU Pf losing councilor for Bindura ward 3, at a meeting held at Kingstone Farm last week. The people who attended the meeting were threatened with severe violence in the event that they contributed contrary to the controversial Kariba draft constitution during the envisaged Constitution outreach consultation process.  

The Constitutional making process has so far been marred with deep mistrust and misinformation amidst reports of fresh rounds of intimidation campaigns looming ahead of the setting up of thematic committees. Last month ZANU Pf thugs disrupted the all stakeholders constitutional conference at the Harare International Conference centre in an effort to derail the proceedings and prevent Zimbabweans from writing their own constitution. 

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR)

Last Updated ( Sun, 30 Aug 09 18:49 )
 

The plunder of the Aids Levy – 24/08/2009

Mon, 24 Aug 09 21:05 administrator
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Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR) is perturbed by the massive plunder of the Aids Levy Fund by the National Aids Council (NAC) when thousands of HIV/Aids patients are dying and 400 000 more are in dire need of anti-retroviral drugs. The Herald reported last week that NAC collected over US$ 1.7 million from levies since February this year and only US$20,000 was used to purchase anti-retroviral drugs. The Government policy states that 50% of the Aids Levy should be spent on drugs.  

In 1999 the government introduced an AIDS levy on all taxpayers to fund the work of the NAC. The 3 per-cent AIDS levy that is deducted from the workers’ hard earned salaries should automatically make them the important stakeholders of the fund, with full rights to inquire about the way it is managed to hold NAC accountable. 

The NAC has also been constrained by poor management and lack of resources since its formation in 1999 and at a time when the country is grappling with calamities caused by HIV/AIDS, it is appalling that state institutions are finding solace in squandering critical funds on luxury vehicles and channeling funds to electoral and quasi-fiscal activities funded by the central bank. Zimbabwe is in need of a visionary leadership which equitably distributes resources across the entire socio-economic and political realm of this country rather than aggrandizements of narrow personal interests. 

The government has a prerogative role of ensuring people living with HIV/AIDS are given adequate medication and ensuring that the country works towards the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which calls upon all countries to ensure that they strive towards reducing HIV/AIDS infections and access to medication for those living with the same by half. 

ROHR Zimbabwe strongly believes that development depends on good governance and respect for people’s rights. As the country is in need of aid from the international community to combat the AIDS pandemic, it is incumbent upon the leaders to exercise high level transparency and accountability to foster donor confidence in the handling of public funds. Mismanagement of tax payers’ money on the part of National Aids Council sends wrong signals to potential funders on the state institutions’ capacity to exercise corporate governance. We call for an audit and an investigation in the operations of NAC and if there is abuse of public funds, the law should make the culprits in the scandal accountable. 

Also of concern is our observation that all relevant stakeholders are disenfranchised by the absence of a meaningful interface with the NAC or any other legal body that responds to their enquiries be it on a single or collective basis. When it comes to demanding that workers, who are the bosses of the levy, have a say in the way the money is managed, we inevitably begin talking about their rights being throttled in so far as they are ignored. Therefore there is an urgent need for the establishment of such an interface to facilitate the restoration of this right in the form of a truly independent Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) through which all stakeholder voices are channeled.  

It is our considered view as ROHR Zimbabwe that ZACC, and all other commissions to be established should be independent, free from political influence, composed of qualified and competent personnel and well resourced to be able to effectively create checks and balances, promote and protect people’ rights and freedoms.  

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Last Updated ( Mon, 24 Aug 09 21:11 )
 
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