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Statement from ROHR Zimbabwe on the arbitrary arrest of activists meeting over the constitution making process

Saturday, 06 February 2010 12:36 administrator

ROHR Zimbabwe is greatly dismayed by the uncomplimentary behavior that is being shown by the state through its law enforcement arm, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in denying the general public the right to assemble and associate freely over the envisaged constitution consultation outreach program. It is highly concerning that more than 70 political and human rights activist from WOZA and the MDC have so far been arbitrarily arrested over what the police is alleging ‘’unsanctioned meetings’’.

As a human rights organization, we note with grave concern that the continued existence of prohibitive legislation like POSA and AIPPA is an anathema to the much needed conducive environment in which the citizenry can assembly, associate and expressly freely towards the writing of a constitution that will reflect the aspirations of the people.

The recent arbitrary arrests by the police are not only a clear disregard to the interpretation of the law but tantamount to derailing the constitutional outreach program by sending alarm signals among the citizenry on its role in the process.

We further challenge the ZRP to act professionally in executing its duties in line with the international human rights standards (Universal Declaration of Human Rights UDHR, African Charter on Peoples’ Rights and Freedoms ACPR) in dealing with the citizenry during the duration of the constitutional outreach program.

Cognizant of the fact that the continued existence of draconian laws like POSA and AIPPA will only yield a flawed constitutional outreach program, it is pertinent that the coalition government considers legal reforms that will promote a more enabling environment to encourage the free participation and security of participants without fear of intimidation, persecution or victimization ahead of the constitutional outreach program set to begin soon.

Given the long documented legacy of the abuse of state machinery by the ZANU Pf party in relentless efforts to harass political and human rights activist, we strongly urge the other partners to the coalition government to take a principled position to ensure that the ZRP will not be complicity in ZANU Pf’s agenda to coerce the citizenry to adopt the undemocratic Kariba Draft constitution which gives too much executive powers to a president with unlimited term of office among other short serious comings.

Understanding that the constitution making process is an opportune moment for Zimbabweans to define their God given, social, economic, civil and political rights into a supreme law that will guide elected leaders with the responsibility to rule and govern the country, it is critical to ensure that the voice of the people is not lost or swayed to suit narrow egocentric partisan agendas.

For Peace, Justice and Freedom

Last Updated on Saturday, 06 February 2010 12:38

Mashonaland Central Human Rights Day Commemoration 2009 Programme Report

Monday, 18 January 2010 14:27 Clifford Hlatywayo

Residents of both Bindura urban and rural have witnessed gross human rights violations committed with impunity by youth militia, war veterans and ZANU PF supporters. Bindura, the homestead for the late ZANU PF commissar Elliot Manyika has always been viewed as a volatile area due to the persecutions of people deemed to be opponents of ZANU PF. Following the historic demonstration which was held by ROHR Zimbabwe on 1 December 2008 under the Demand for Democracy and Justice Campaign, residents were exposed to massive harassment from ZANU PF supporters and state agents.

Numerous cases on the abuse of farm workers have sprouted following the on-going violent farm evasions by war veterans and top ZANU pf officials. In all these instances no arrest are made and the police is either reluctant to act or they act in favour of the aggressors. Innocent vulnerable farm workers have their rights trodden upon in the absence of objective law enforcement and the rule of law.

With this background ROHR Zimbabwe, on the 11^th of December 2009, held a public meeting at Trojan mine hall to commemorate World Human Rights Day. The event was graced by Bindura town Mayor His Worship Alderman Daniso Wakatama, councillors, Bindura Lawyer Mashayamombe of Bonyongwe and partners, veterans of the Liberation war, MDC National Youth Assembly Secretary General Solomon Madzore and ROHR Zimbabwe Secretary General Tichanzii Gandanga. Also present at the event was ROHR Zimbabwe Programmes Director Clifford Hlatywayo, Information and Publicity Officer Ronald Mureverwi, Programmes and Advocacy Officer Innocent Madhuku, Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairman Gilson Maposa, Field Officer Gladys Kalonga and all committee members.

Aims and Objectives of the Programme

To join the whole world in respecting and commemorating human rights day.
To mobilise people to be proactive in human rights challenges.
To make a statement to the Inclusive Government Leaders and the international community that people are not comfortable with the pace with which human rights reforms are being instituted.
To reflect on the historical facts surrounding the issue of human rights.

ROHR Zimbabwe Human Rights Day Bindura

Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 17:29 Read more...

Midlands Human Rights Day Commemoration 2009 Programme Report

Monday, 18 January 2010 14:22 Innocent Madhuku

December 10 every year has been set aside by the United Nations for the member states to commemorate the rights of all humans in the land. It is the responsibility of every citizen, institution, department, organisation, and/or government to organise and mobilise for the respect of this day. In Zimbabwe civil society organisations including Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Human Rights Association and Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe were at the fore front in mobilising people to commemorate this day. After successfully holding a public meeting in Mashonaland Central, Bindura which was done on the 11th, Rohr Zimbabwe organised a march in Gweru on the 12^th of December 2009 together with Zimrights to commemorate this day.

Aims and Objectives of the Programme

To join the whole world in respecting and commemorating human rights day.
To mobilise people to be proactive in human rights challenges.
To make a statement to the Inclusive Government Leaders and the international community that people are not comfortable with the pace with which human rights reforms are being instituted.
To reflect on the historical facts surrounding the issue of human rights.

Achievements

The whole program went according to plan i.e. time management, venue, and the targeted number of participants were reached 300 people.
Various local and National civic organisations were represented and gave solidarity speeches; these include Gweru residents association, Gweru Agenda, Grip, Women Coalition, Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe, Platform for Youth Development, ZINASU, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, YIDEZ, NANGO, ZCTU, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe among others.
Just like the Bindura program, the occasion was graced by the Gweru Mayor.

Challenges

Limited resources that led to coordination and mobilisation challenges.
Rains

Recommendations

That Programmes in collaboration with other progressive movements be increased.
That resources be readily available for such programmes in advance as they go a long way sensitising people on the importance of having their rights being respected.

Conclusion

Rohr Zimbabwe wants to express its heartfelt gratitude to the United Kingdom Rohr Zimbabwe family for continued support since its inception in 2007. This event could not have been successful without their support. Particular reference goes to the Vigil Zimbabwe for the support they have been extending to us as they have gone far in improving the lives of many people in Zimbabwe.

For Rohr Zimbabwe

Innocent Madhuku

(Programmes and Advocacy Officer)

Last Updated on Monday, 18 January 2010 14:52

Heal the wounds project

Friday, 15 January 2010 13:23 administrator

ROHR Zimbabwe donates to Victims in Mashonaland Central

The Trojan Nickel Mine Community distribution exercise comes hot on the heels of the Bikita clothes distributions under the Heal the wounds project. The clothing items were donated by Charity Nyamuzuwe of ROHR Zimbabwe Hayes Branch, UK. ROHR Zimbabwe is driving towards setting an example of what constitutes a desirable national healing programme wanted by the people of Zimbabwe. ROHR Zimbabwe believes in a process which begins with truth, justice, and compensation. As ROHR Zimbabwe, we believe that the political victims should be compensated without fail, and the perpetrators be brought to book. We do not and will never accept the proposed government process (forgive and forget) which rewards perpetrators at the expense of the victims.
The beneficiaries were drawn from around the Mashonaland Central Province and the event was done at Trojan nickel mine community hall .The respective Councillors graced the occasion together with the local Village Head, Mr Samuel Musokwa and the local church Pastor. The ROHR Zimbabwe Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairperson Gilson Chitakunye, and ROHR Zimbabwe Programmes and Advocacy Officer Innocent Madhuku represented ROHR Zimbabwe at the handover ceremony. The Trojan mine primary school SDC Chairman Mr. Domingo and Trojan Clinic Sister attended to collect the educational stationery and medical items respectively.

The donations were done at the Trojan nickel mine community hall

Last Updated on Friday, 15 January 2010 14:00 Read more...

Human Rights Commemorations in Midlands

Thursday, 17 December 2009 01:15 administrator

Members of various organizations including NANGO, ZCTU, ZIMCET, Legal Resources Foundation, YIDEZ, Gweru United Residents Association, Student Christian Movement, PTUZ and ZINASU, ROHR Zimbabwe, ZimRights stormed the city of Gweru on Saturday 12th December to protest against the human rights situation in the country to mark the 61st commemoration of the World human rights day. Also in attendance was the deputy mayor of Gweru.

Singing protesters marched from 2nd street clinic into Robert Mugabe way to the Town House where keynote presentations were made by ROHR Zimbabwe secretary general Mr.Gandanga and ZimRights Midlands chairman Mr. Bongozozo. The event was organized by ROHR Zimbabwe and Zimrights in efforts to advocate for a free discrimination society that embraces diversity in line with this year’s theme.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/sets/72157622890968047/ for pictures

Last Updated on Thursday, 17 December 2009 01:18

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