TWO REPORTS ON ROHR’S ‘PEACE DAYS’ PROTESTS - 24-26 JULY 2009
Sunday, 26 July 2009 17:14
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PEACE DAY PROTESTERS ARRESTED – 26 JULY 2006
15 people were arrested yesterday (25 July 2009) by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for wearing black in protest against the Peace days gazetted by President Robert Mugabe. They were detained at Mbare police station from 0800hrs and released without charge at 1800hrs the same day. The police interrogated the detainees for the whole day. Tichanzii Gandanga, the ROHR secretary general visited the 15 and assured them that they will be released soon when it became obvious that the motive was dubious and meant to just frustrate the protesters. 12 of the people were ROHR members who had boarded public transport from Mbare to the City center when the bus was stopped and rerouted to Mbare police station. The other 3 were just caught in the crossfire as they were assumed to be part of the group. Alfonso Zvenyika, a former Zimbabwean boxing champion who was part to the protest said he suspected that the arrest was effected following a tip off from ZANU PF youths in Mbare suburb who were aware of the ‘peace days’ protest. ROHR is disturbed by this behavior, because it casts shadows on any hopes that national healing can ever be achieved when people are unnecessarily arrested for peacefully expressing their displeasure with Government processes. The uniformed forces must remain impartial and resist executing political directives targeted at innocent and peaceful civilians who have a right to freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 22 July, ROHR made a public call for people to wear black attire on 24 – 26 July in protests against the peace days proclaimed by Mugabe and in solidarity with the victims of politically motivated violence. Yesterday, ROHR Zimbabwe carried out a protest march to parliament building where people were dispersed by police. ROHR believes that there cannot be peace without national healing and that cannot come before truth, justice and compensation to victims of political violence. That should be approached holistically and whole heartedly rather than calling for symbolic days and monumental moments celebrating “new found peace and unity” while violence against civilians still continues. Governance by misdirection will not deliver the much need closure to this sensitive subject of national healing and reconciliation. Restorative justice must prevail. ROHR ZIMBABWE PROTEST AGAINST PEACE DAYS TAKES PLACE IN HARARE – 25 JULY 2009
More than 100 people heeded ROHR Zimbabwe’s call for a demonstration against the peace days gazetted by Robert Mugabe in Harare today which we believe is ZANU PF’s idea to protect them from prosecution and the need to be accountable to what their crimes. People wore black in protest and also in solidarity with victims of last year’s political violence. The march began at Nelson Mandela corner 1st street at 9am. The singing group marched along Nelson Mandela avenue towards parliament where they confronted the police with riot gear manning the parliament building. The ROHR Harare vice chairman addressed the gathering in front of the police, saying that the peace days are of little significance to the people of Zimbabwe because no concrete steps have been taken to make them a reality especially since violence is still continuing, war veterans still empowered to be violent and rule of law still nonexistent. He mourned the absence true commitment of the part of politicians to prosecute perpetrators of politically motivated crimes and stated that victims want justice to prevail and to be compensated in some form. ROHR Zimbabwe stands opposed to the government’s hurried process on national healing which seeks to grant a blanket amnesty to the politicians, state agents, Zanu PF militia who committed crimes with impunity. The government’s objective to urge people to forgive and forget the previous human rights crimes does not only elude the real need for truth, justice and compensation but also it disregards the expectations of people who bore the brunt of the gross violations. For photos of the protests, check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/ For video of the protests, check: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNNhDwRbFld0&h=53211d499284af1b9bfd40fddec3fe2a
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 00:06
ROHR Zimbabwe pass litmus test - Monday, 13 July 2009
Friday, 17 July 2009 20:14
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From Zim Diaspora correspondent in Harare THIS week, Harare-based Zim Diaspora's undercover reporter set out to unravel the activities and authenticity of a United Kingdom based human rights organisation, Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR).During a weeklong investigations, our reporter found out how Zimbabwe has been besieged by different sort of evil forces – all at play in a country where arbitrary arrests, repression, political persecution, violations of human rights have become a way of life.
In such an environment, a haven of bogus humanitarian organisations now exists intentions of taking advantage of a screwed-up situation. Such is a day in life in Zimbabwe.
Our reporter picked up ROHR for validation in an attempt to protect the beleaguered masses of Zimbabwe who have more often been victims of fake organisation. There are many such organisations which have looted money from unsuspecting citizens.I set out early in a Harare morning and my first port of call was the National Association of Non Governmental Organization (NANGO), an umbrella body of all Non Governmental Organization operating in Zimbabwe. In there, access to information was not problematic, I was allowed to access the organisation's register as a means of establishing the authentic existence of ROHR, which I was after.
From NANGO’s registration book, ROHR Zimbabwe was formed in 2007 and is registered as a human right non-profit making organisation. ROHR is also listed as a member of Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe.As a journalist, there is a saying which goes "good news is good". However, I was convinced this was a worthwhile assignment in light of the recent controversy surrounding ROHR.
Armed with this information, I left the NANGO offices partly satified that the organisation I was investigating has passed the litmus test, let alone the first step of my investigation.
Now, my next step was to try and establish ROHR's physical location in Harare as a means of confirming the real existence of this organisation. This was paramount to prove that ROHR was not one of those organisations administered from backyards. I also needed to find out what exactly was ROHR doing and what have they achieved so far.
I drove around Harare for about one and half hours without any luck at all. I reckon that is always the case with Third World countries where Navigators are still 50 years away, that is, if Google map ever bothered to add Zimbabwe in it.
ROHR Zimbabwe offices are located in the serene and plush suburb of Alexandra Park at number 5 Normandy Street. The offices are professionally manned by individuals who are undoutedly well polished in terms of presentation and greeting strangers like myself.What attracted my attention as soon as I entered the ROHR Harare offices was a soft-spoken man called Mr Tichanzi Gandanga whom I was later told was Zimbabwe's leader of the organisation.
After speaking to him for a few minutes I learnt a lot about ROHR from this eloquent and handsome man. Mr Gandanga is a veteran human rights activist who has suffered a lot at the hands of Zimbabwe’s security agents. He has been arrested, abducted, tortured and detained innumerable times.It was after talking to him at length that I discovered that ROHR Zimbabwe was formed by exiled Zimbabweans, victims of human rights abuse. These are individuals who suffered at the hands of government sponsored evil forces of repression in Zimbabwe. It was through talking to Mr Gandanga that I had a full picture on how Mr Ephraim Tapa now ROHR Zimbabwe's CEO also suffered in the hands of President Mugabe's notorious CIOs. I also got to know that former abductees such as Gandanga, Stanley Zvorwadza and Edgar Chikuvise had joined ROHR not as a means of making money, but as a calling to highlight gross human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. This explained to me why ROHR Zimbabwe's membership was growing everyday. Zimbabweans know these people championing the human rights cause, hence atrcating membership is not a huge problem.“ROHR Zimbabwe’s founding vision is to see Zimbabwe become a peaceful, just and free nation that is conscious of and respect human rights. This is to be achieved through various strategies that encompass radicalism, active participation, awareness campaigns, capacity building in rural communities and wholesale mobilization of Zimbabwean masses. ROHR Zimbabwe, because of its strong belief in action, it is the power behind many powerful demonstration that have rocked Zimbabwe to the core in recent years,” said Mr Gandanga.“On the ground ROHR Zimbabwe is scoring many goals. This is as a result of its radical approach, responsiveness and sheer bravery. The organization first cut its teeth with investigation and exposure of the Mumbengegwi issue in which Zanu pf Minister Mumbengegwi’s wife was accused of murdering one of her employees at her farm and claiming farm workers were like dogs. Since then, the firebrand organization has stood shoulder and chest higher than many of the docile but well funded human rights organizations operating here in Zimbabwe,” he said.“The organization’s funding comes mainly from its many overseas based and local well wishers who desire to see a human right engendered Zimbabwe. Also unique in their funding structure is membership fees paid by thousands across the world. The structure is only peculiar to them and this adds impetus to their activities as well as guards against funds abuse and docility. To their credit ROHR Zimbabwe is finally becoming the face of human awareness campaigns and a knight of rural communities’ mobilization,” he added.Mr Gandanga said ROHR Zimbabwe’ physical presence in the country's ten provinces makes it the most important human right organsation in Zimbabwe.
“We are pleased with our capable leadership in England and in South Africa which assist in resource mobilisation thereby making us more effective in executing our work. I can now tell you that ROHR Zimbabwe is now known right in every corner of Zimbabwe. We have started off programmes in grass root level of training people about their right to have rights,” he said.Mr Gandanga highlighted that a lot needed to be done in Zimbabwe as far as human rights issues are concerned.“Of particular concern are the continuing arbitrary arrests, abductions and detention of opposition forces and human rights activists. ROHR Zimbabwe has also noted with concern and has highlighted to the government the need to move away from pretending that victims of violence have forgiven the perpetrators because they set up the National Healing Commission. We are currently moving around the country to educate people to avoid retribution. We agreed to do this after realising that many people in Zimbabwe are extremely bitter with ZANU-PF did to them,” he said.Mr Gandanga added that: “We would like the Unity government to work but as of now it looks like nothing but a symbol of Mugabe’s intransigency of relinquishing power. To us Mugabe remains an icon of repression and we would like him to leave office for the good of Zimbabweans”.
ROHR's director of Information, Mr. Edgar Chikuvise said there was a need for Mr Mugabe to dismantle his evil machinations that has caused a lot of suffering in the country since he took office in 1980.On constitutional matters, ROHR Zimbabwe, he said, it was a sacred right for every Zimbabwean to participate in such a process of governance to the realisation of rights and other freedoms. As such, he said ROHR Zimbabwe is strongly opposed to the imposition of the Kariba draft upon the people of Zimbabwe. The organisation believes that the Kariba draft should only be used as a soft landing spot or as reference only, said Mr Chikuvise.ROHR Zimbabwe is currently lobbying the government to include human rights in the schools curriculum.Much of their activities and source of funds could not be drawn due to their policy of not sharing much of their private information.From the interviews, the evidence seen and past experiences ROHR Zimbabwe thrust, vision and objectives remains the dream of every Zimbabwean. Its idea of lobbying the government to include a curriculum on human rights in every stage of education is as good as it comes.
Last Updated on Friday, 17 July 2009 20:20
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Evicted for supporting MDC – the case of six families in Bindura
Friday, 10 July 2009 21:58
Thomas Madhuku
ROHR Zimbabwe is greatly disturbed by the recent farm evictions that took place in Bindura. The forced eviction appears to be politically motivated according to reports as it involves the Zanu PF District Chairman Jacob Chiripanyanga who is allegedly victimizing them for political affiliations to the Movement for Democratic Change. Fanuel Musona, Gift Lemon, Lyson Reason, Gift Mhembere and Lazarus Malunga and their families are beneficiaries of the controversial land reform after the Mugabe led government allocated them plots at Foothills farm. They received the above mentioned plots in 2000, and had for the past 9 years, built homes and families with the hope that their newly found fortune would last them and their offsprings. The above mentioned people, among other fellow victims countrywide, have become victims of political fanning by ZANU PF zealots in living in the same farm. Jacob Chiripanyanga is accusing the four of betraying their loyalty to ZANU PF by their alleged support of MDC. This accusation has resulted in the complainants being issued eviction letters. Information from ROHR secretary for information and publicity in the area explained how the four were brought before Chief Negomo of Chiweshe village who ordered that they be thoroughly beaten before trial. The chief initially demanded US $50 before reducing it to US$40 from the victims as trial charge. The case was first heard on 3 July 2009 before Chief Negomo allegedly in the presence of police officers from Dundril police post who showed reluctance to interfere in the process. Mr. Musona and company are still to pay the required US$40 and are residing at their plots awaiting the conclusion of their case. The five are still to appear before Chief Negomo for further trial on a date to be announced. MDC Foothills chairman Collen Langton who confirmed the eviction claim said that the case was before Chief Negomo. “Though they are still residing at the farm the fate of whether they will be evicted or not in is in the hands of the village court which I want to believe is illegimate since Negomo imposed himself on the throne after he was allocated a piece of land during the land reform programme in 2000 just like anybody here on the farm”, said Langton. Chief Negomo is accused of imposing himself on the people of Foothills after he was allocated a piece of land at the farm. The chief and Chiripanyanga are being accused by the villagers of running a scam where they are forcing farm residents to the village court for trial where they milk hard earned cash from the poor villagers breasts in broad daylight in the name of tradition. In another eviction case ROHR Zimbabwe reported in May 2009, six families at Gatumba farm in Bindura were evicted by four Zanu PF activists Tumai Phiri, Kennedy Makomo, Edward Uriri and Mr. Chari simply for having electricity and decent shelter at the farm whilst the latter resided in mud houses. From the ROHR information Department – Contact Thomas Madhuku (Information Officer) for further details
Last Updated on Friday, 10 July 2009 22:19
ROHR Zimbabwe Harare Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) held its maiden meeting
Tuesday, 07 July 2009 22:52
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On Thursday 2nd July 2009 ROHR Harare provincial coordinating committee held its first meeting meant to map the way forward in terms of activities and programs. The committee promised to make ROHR visible and active towards the Zimbabwean cause especially in Harare since it is the capital of Zimbabwe. All the eleven elected members turned up for the meeting which was chaired by Mr. Last Maengahama the Harare Chairperson. The Harare provincial committee elected into office on the 20th June 2009 promised to work hard and united for the organization’s success. They tasked every member to show high level of commitment for the programs to be successful. The committee proposed a number of events they would conduct with the first being setting up of grassroots committees in all the 29 constituencies of Harare. Some of the activities they proposed are leadership development and capacity building workshops for members in Harare province. Speaking after the workshop the Harare field officer Vimbai Mbisva said that the members showed a high level of commitment by turning up for the meeting and the general consensus that they will all take part in the activities of the province is a clear sign of commitment. What they are asking for are resources to make sure that their goal is achieved. “All the members were in high spirit and eager to make Harare the leading province in terms of activities”, said the Field Officer. They then requested that the organization make provisions for information material which will be distributed during the structuring exercise. They requested T-shirts especially for the committee so that when they go out to constituencies and districts they can be identified with the organization. Other materials such as fliers, newsletters and brochures are also among a list of materials they would want for their programs. They tasked the organization to keep their spirit up by ensuring that their demands are met for them to achieve the goal they have set for themselves. From the ROHR Information Department
Contact Thomas Madhuku, Information Officer (Intern) for further details
Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 July 2009 22:56
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