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ROHR ZIMBABWE COMES OF AGE

Saturday, 04 July 2009 10:57 administrator

In August 2009, ROHR Zimbabwe will celebrate its second anniversary since its Formation in 2007.

ROHR Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a human rights organization that places special emphasis on grassroots based activism, radicalism, creative mobilization and outreach methodology. The organization focuses on a broad spectrum of rights- civil, social, economic and political. The organization derives its uniqueness from its radical approach and strength from a physical presence in every province, leadership in the overseas – that assist in resource mobilization, grassroots oriented programs as well as inherent activism and promptness of action

Although ROHR Zimbabwe started operations a mere two years ago, it has made considerable strides within its short life span in challenging and speaking out against human rights violations. In 2007 and 2008, ROHR Zimbabwe appointed focal persons in each province, who have been acting as catalysts and link persons in identifying and taking action against violations. An office has since been established in Harare. Some provinces such as Masvingo, Midlands and Bulawayo have already put in place frameworks to document cases of human rights violations. Already, ROHR Zimbabwe has registered a strong presence in national and international independent media, as several of its press statements have been covered in these different media. In order to register discontent on the human rights situation in the country, ROHR Zimbabwe staged several demonstrations in various parts of the country. There was however spirited efforts by the government to thwart these demonstrations.

ROHR Zimbabwe is a non party – political, grassroots and membership based organization passionate and committed to bringing about positive change in Zimbabwe through advocating for a Zimbabwe where rights and freedoms of every human being are respected and promoted. The organization is inspired by the founding mission of returning Zimbabwe to normalcy and higher standards of respect for human rights after years of violations of unimaginable proportions with the aim of achieving justice and peace in Zimbabwe. The organization was formed by a coalition of Zimbabweans in exile abroad and others who fell victim to the human rights violations that rocked Zimbabwe since Independence in 1980, whose forms and magnitudes became horrendous during election times, particularly after the emergence of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The founding members believe in the conceivability and practicality of the realization of human rights.

ROHR Zimbabwe activities
The centrality of ROHR Zimbabwe programming is hinged upon the three basic mandates stemming from its mission statement. Our mission is to promote a culture of human rights in Zimbabwe through community mobilization, capacity building and active responses to human rights challenges.

1. COMMUNITY MOBILISATION
The strategic objective for this theme is to mobilize, empower and inspire people in Zimbabwe to defend and claim their rights. Noting that Zimbabwe is currently reeling from the effects of gross violation of human rights, polarized environment, de-mobilized communities, discrimination and docility at community level, ROHR Zimbabwe would like to ensure that individuals, acting collectively, gain greater influence and control over their lives. The objective is to ensure that efforts are directed to re-mobilizing communities, giving them cutting edge information and knowledge that enable them to individually and collectively promote and protect their rights.

As ROHR Zimbabwe we believe that empowered citizens, who are networked and speaking with one voice, have the potential to serve as powerful change agents who have an impact on policy making and the enforcement of existing policies. Community empowerment would facilitate paradigm shift by communities from passive community life to intensive action oriented responses to human rights challenges.

In pursuit of this goal and consistent with our unique values of bravery, action, responsiveness and assertiveness, ROHR Zimbabwe mobilized communities from day one in protests against human rights. In 2007 demonstrations were held to put pressure on the ZANU PF regime to stop human rights abuses in its quest to maintain a stranglehold grip on power and create a one-party state.

In 2008, ROHR Zimbabwe was in the headlines on its principled stance that people needed to be accorded a chance to choose a Government of their choice through a free and fair ballot held in peaceful environment and monitored and observed by international bodies. More than 8 demonstrations were held countrywide in Harare, Matebeleland, Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands and Mashonaland central. Even though some of the protest marches were met with the full force of police brutality and violently cracked down, the strong desire to seek real change that subsisted in the people of Zimbabwe never died, and still exists in them now that an inclusive government is in place.

2. CAPACITY BUILDING
ROHR Zimbabwe is conscious of the good intentions the political parties in Zimbabwe had that led to the formation of the inclusive government although we are still worried that no tangible steps have been taken to address human rights violations as human rights defenders and political activists are constantly being harassed, detained and tortured.

Due to the harsh environment that characterized the development landscape over the past few years, particularly attacks on human rights defenders, most activists have fled the country; have been disabled, killed, maimed, demobilized, and cowed into submission. In addition, structures and networks of activists have been infiltrated and weakened by the ruling ZANU PF, hence there is weak positive activism due to fear, targeted harassment and all manner of violations.

Leadership development and capacity building workshops
So far this year, ROHR Zimbabwe carried out five workshops in Harare, Mutare, Bindura, Gweru and Bulawayo, in order to strengthen the provincial structures and to inspire, empower and motivate local activists to champion the cause of promoting and defending human rights in their communities.

The main motivation behind these workshops is to develop a pool of radical activists, able to champion human rights issues and to keep the state parties in check. These activists should be resident at grassroots level to not only monitor the violations but also mobilize communities to timely act on issues that threaten the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms.

Under capacity building, other specific interventions by ROHR Zimbabwe include developing a human rights activists’ handbook, intensive training on human rights promotion and defense strategies and organizing activists at local level for more effective responses.

3. ACTIVE RESPONSES TO HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES
ROHR Zimbabwe’s founding mandate is to actively engage citizens in timely and quick interventions that seek to mitigate on specific human rights degenerations in the country. This thematic area is not totally divorced from the objectives under community mobilization whose overall objective is to hold Government and its institutions accountable and responsive to peoples’ needs.

Mindful of the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe in 2008 caused by the quasi-fiscal activities of the central bank Governor, ROHR Zimbabwe sponsored a lawsuit against Gideon Gono in September 2008.

ROHR Zimbabwe shamed perpetrators of rights violations through naming and shaming such as in the case of Selina Mumbengegwi, the former finance Minister’s wife Samuel Mumbengegwi when she was implicated in the brutal murder of her farm worker and brutal assault of MDC supporters in her farm.

The naming and shaming strategy was planted into the seeds of the communities so much so that ownership of the action in the communities worked to deter a comfortable habitation for peddlers of violence in the 2008 inter-elections violence. In Masvingo, some political criminals fled their houses to other countries after they were named and shamed using the local communication channels aimed at disgracing such appalling behavior from fellow Zimbabweans.

Acknowledgements
ROHR Zimbabwe wishes to acknowledge the following for their immeasurable contributions towards the activities and programmes carried out since 2007. It would be unfair if their contributions are not awarded the due respect they deserve:
·         ROHR Zimbabwe leadership in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, especially the president Mr. Ephraim Tapa for his dedication towards the Zimbabwean plight. Mr. Tapa has been at the centre of mobilizing resources and funds for programmes and activities back in Zimbabwe.
·         The United Kingdom structures for supporting ROHR Zimbabwe activities in Zimbabwe.
·         Zimbabwe Vigil and the coordinator Rose Benton for their unwavering support and a strong partnership with ROHR Zimbabwe.
·         ROHR Zimbabwe secretariat and members, the struggle could not have been easy had it not been the support they rendered to the organization.

Way forward
ROHR Zimbabwe guided by the vision to see a society conscious of human rights, is still committed and will continue to fight for the full realization of rights in Zimbabwe. The coming of inclusive government gave an impression that reforms were underway but the situation has not changed much; rights violations are still going on. The human rights environment remains volatile and this demands that we continue to engage and put pressure on the government to ensure reforms that prioritise respect of human rights are put in place. We also intend to intensify civic education and community engagement to nurture a society that is human rights conscious, particular attention given to rural communities. A campaign for the incorporation of human rights curriculum in schools to educate the school children on human rights issues is also on the cards as we feel human rights violations were mainly due to a lack of proper knowledge on the subject of human rights (catch them young).

ROHR Zimbabwe is also keen to establish and reach out to people of Zimbabwe in their communities and set up structures from provincial to ward level, this has the potential of influencing policy reforms from bottom up the ladder to top and to facilitate the coordination of human rights activities or programs at grassroots level.

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

Last Updated on Saturday, 04 July 2009 11:07

HARARE PROVINCE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP REPORT

Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:02 Clifford Hlatywayo

Date / time: 19 June 2009 / 9.45 am – 2.15 pm
Venue: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Board Room, Beverly Court
No of participants: 31

Introduction
Harare province was the fifth venue for the leadership development and capacity development campaign aimed at creating a pool of radical and community based activists who can stand up for their rights. The workshop was held on the 19^th June 2009 and attended by 15 constituencies of Harare and Chitungwiza. Held at the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights boardroom ROHR has not stopped its endeavour to have a Zimbabwe where rights of citizens are the bedrock of democratic initiatives. The workshop was an opportunity for the organisation to set up Harare provincial structures which will spearhead the organizations activities and programmes in Harare.

Aims and objectives of the workshops
·         Structure building and consolidation at provincial level.
·         Popularise Rohr activities and finding out people’s expectations.
·         Inform, mobilise, motivate, inspire, empower, strengthen and develop ROHR members in all provinces of Zimbabwe to defend, promote and claim their fundamental freedoms, justice and both their constitutional and democratic rights.
·         Consultation on the issue of national healing and reconciliation.

Issues covered/ Agenda
1.       Overall chair – Clifford Hlatywayo, Programmes Director
2.       Opening remarks: Cnllr L Maengahama, Harare Coordinator
3.       Introductions: Vimbai Mbisva, Field Officer
4.       Structuring: Mr Ray Muzenda, National Chairman
5.       What is ROHR-structure, vision, mission, activities, mandate, expectations: Mr T Gandanga, Secretary General
6.       The state of media in Zimbabwe: Mr Blessing Vava, Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) 7.       National Healing and Reconciliation / Truth, Justice & compensation vs forgive & forget: Mr Claris Madhuku, Platform for Youth Development Trust (PYD) Chairman
8.       The constitutional making process: Mrs Tsitsi Mikitai, NCA Representative
9.       People’s expectations from ROHR: Edgar Chikuvire, Participatory
10.   Way Forward (programmes): Mr R Muzenda, National Chairman
11.   Closing Remarks: Mr D Karanda, Harare vice Chairman

The elected Provincial Coordinating Committee for Harare province
Provincial Chairman: Last Maengahama (Glenview)
Vice Chairperson: Diamond Karanda (Southerton)
Secretary: Sabina Tiriboyi (Mufakose)
Organiser: Barnabas Chirimanzi (Zengeza)
Treasurer: Charles Chidhagu (Glenview)
Information and Publicity: Rebecca Warikandwa (Harare East)
Women: Tsitsi Mikitai (Mufakose), Neta Ndada (Glenview), Sarudzai Mavhundus (Harare East)
Youth: Claudius Mafiosi (Budiriro), Yvonne Musarurwa (Budiriro)

Resolutions from deliberations
·         Undertake protests when people’s rights are violated and action against people who wilfully abuse their offices such Johannes Tomana and 2008 terror sponsor Gideon Gono.
·         Grassroots workshops and public meetings in constituencies to capacitate and educate the public about their rights and how they can stand up and defend themselves.
·         Educate people as to where and how they can report such violations.
·         Conduct weekly meetings in constituencies so that they can forward their grievances on such gatherings.
·         Establishing Rohr Zimbabwe structures in all constituencies for mobilisation purposes.
·         Not to support the Kariba Draft Constitution and advocate for a people driven constitution making process.
·         The government of the day must not spearhead the national healing and reconciliation process because it is the number ones suspect hence it cannot be trusted.
·         Serious media reforms to be put in place as a matter of yesterday, failure of which will call for action from the people of Zimbabwe who are ready to go into the streets.

Achievements
·         A substantive Provincial Coordinating Committee was democratically and peacefully elected by the workshop participants from constituencies.
·         The workshop was able to spell out the official position of Rohr Zimbabwe visa vis the constitutional making process.
·         Participants were drawn from constituencies of Harare and Chitungwiza with the issue of gender and age balance fairly addressed.
·         The agenda of the day was well covered in time and intensively discussed.
·         The meeting was a well organised one against all odds. Credit to the Harare Field Officer Mr Vimbai Mbisva.

Strengths - The ability of the Harare Field Officer on behalf of the Programmes department which is the driving force of the organisation, to stand above confused internal elements who are not people and progress driven. (see an insert programs report from the field officer below)

Opportunities - Ready community and issues at hand that can be challenged.

Weaknesses - Internal squabbles which are being manifested by certain individuals who are misdirected and misinformed about what and how a human rights organisation must operate and managed.

Threats - Political dynamics that are happening in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

Challenges
·         The proposed ill timed calling off by the board members of the workshop.
·         Some of the invited guests did not show up including others who were supposed to present on certain subjects.
·         The attendance was poor i.e. 37 against the anticipated 50.
·         Resource constrains.
·         No Rohr Zimbabwe information packs for distribution to members and also the absence of regalia.

Recommendations
·         Undertake structure building in the 29 districts of Harare and 12 districts of Bulawayo province this July.
·         Organise protests against the existence in public offices of and Mugabe defending human rights violators, Gono and Tomana.
·         Arrange meetings for the elected Provincial Coordinating Committees (PCCs) for all the provinces.
·         Produce information materials and Rohr Zimbabwe regalia in numbers to help in the information dissemination and spread the organisation’s name everywhere.
·         The National Management Committee must be more organised and be visionary to where we are going with the people of Zimbabwe as far as human rights issues are concerned.

Overall rating – Successful

Conclusion
The workshop went on smoothly against all odds and a vibrant provincial structure was set up to steer Harare programmes. The workshop was one of the most successful and ROHR Zimbabwe is fast outpacing giant civil society organisations. The fact that ROHR Zimbabwe has a vibrant structure in Harare should give everyone from the membership, secretariat and the structures the motive to work hard for the growth of the organisation.

Clifford Hlatywayo
Director of Programmes and Networking

Last Updated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:34

ZPHR holds maiden MEMEZA festival to commemorate the day of the African Child – Saturday, 20th June 2009

Thursday, 25 June 2009 13:03 administrator

Scores of people from all walks of life gathered along First Street in the city centre of Harare on Saturday 20^th of June to commemorate the day in which more than 500 students were killed protesting against inferior education in apartheid South Africa in 1976. The Memeza maiden festival which exploded into dance, poetry, mbira and music was organized by Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights (ZPHR) in conjunction with MISA Zimbabwe, Contradictions for Arts Development Trust (CADET) and Girl Child Network.

Memeza is a Ndebele word for ‘’speak out, shout ,scream’’. The festival which was held under the theme, “Africa fit for children” rolled into life around 10 00hrs through a live performance by a Mbare dance group Pachedu school of Arts. The audience were treated to an invigorating performance by Zimbabwe’s best young artist among others John Pfumojena, Alexio Kawara, Hope Kakuwe, Itai Madzikure (madiz) and poets from Zimbabwe poets for Human Rights. Also in attendance were school children from various schools.

Takura Mafika from the Mbira society applauded the artist for taking part in the festival and encouraged them not to tire as artist bear the burden of directing issues on addressing the problems facing the nation at large.

Speaking to journalist at the festival Mike Mabwe the coordinator of Zimbabwe Poets for Human rights said he was inspired to honor the Day of the African Child because it symbolizes what the Zimbabwean child is facing today. The youths and children are the hardest hit in the 29 year rule of Robert Mugabe which is characterized by a history of abuse of state resources, corruption, misrule rampant human rights abuses and betrayal of freedom. Zimbabwe once had the best education system in Africa when Robert Mugabe took over power from Ian Smith in 1980, but the last 29 years has been a reversal not only of the sound education system but also the gains of the liberation struggle.

The majority of youths find themselves with nothing to do with unemployment estimated at 95%. Thanks to the state’s lake of diligent priorities the University of Zimbabwe where most of those in government were educated remains closed because of lack of water and dilapidated infrastructure.

Commenting on the role of the media, Tabani Moyo the advocacy officer of MISA Zimbabwe encouraged the inclusive government to move swiftly to address the deliberate moves of maintaining ZBC’s monopoly over the air waves. “On this fateful day 33 years ago, the African Child sow a seed of courage by clearly expressing that he/she could no-longer stomach the unjust society they were living in, but it did not end there, their struggle shapes our country’s struggles today as we seek to challenge the suffocation of the media space on a day to day basis. There are some political parties which continue to behave as if they are the ZBC shareholders. You the people of Zimbabwe are the genuine shareholders and you should be accorded the right to direct ZBC’s operations… By the same token, it is the right of every community to establish community radios but since 2001 when the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) was promulgated no single license has been issued to the communities.’’

Speaking on behalf of the ZPHR, the advocacy information and advocacy officer Thomson Phiri said Memeza was the beginning and not the end. It is set to become an annual event targeted at bringing artist from the region. The festival will seek to empower children to speak out on challenges they face in daily lives which include sex trafficking, sexual abuse, exorbitant tuition fees, poverty and the scourge of the HIV and aids pandemic.

Some photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/

Last Updated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:35

Harare Leadership Development Workshop – 19th June 2009

Thursday, 25 June 2009 12:00 Thomas Madhuku

On Friday 19 June 2009 Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe held a leadership development workshop in Harare. Delegates were drawn from the 29 constituencies of Harare and Chitungwiza. Leadership development workshops have been previously held in Manicaland, Mashonaland central, Bulawayo and Midlands. The workshops are part of the campaign aimed at creating a pool of community based activists with core capacities in promoting and defending human rights.

Presenters were drawn from local civil society leaders and ROHR membership. ZINASU spokesperson Blessing Vava who presented on state of the media in Zimbabwe asserted that the role of the media in a democracy is to empower people with information. Vava spoke of the polarization that still characterizes the media in Zimbabwe despite the coming in of the inclusive government. Speaking on behalf of ZINASU, Vava called for repeal of Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Public Order and Security Act (POSA) to allow reforms that promote freedom of expression and diversity to be put in place.

NATIONAL HEALING
On national healing and reconciliation Mr Claris Madhuku chairman of Platform for Youth Development Trust (PYD) said that the government is disregarding democratic principles by taking leading role in processes that should be directly people driven. Madhuku further highlighted that it was suicidal to follow the government’s formula on national healing and reconciliation.

General consensus in the workshop was that the current process will not yield meaningful results arguing that violence was still widespread in rural and urban areas.

Participants at the workshop unanimously agreed that the government has no mandate to lead national healing and reconciliation advocating for an independent commission to spearhead the process. It was clearly pointed out that Zanu PF was still in control of government processes and activities despite two MDC formations having joined the government.

Edgar Chikuvire, ROHR Zimbabwe information and communication director submitted that the agenda of national healing could be equated to misdirection, a concept used by magicians that diverts peoples’ attention to what the performer wants it to be, while doing something underhand that will escape public scrutiny. The overall effect is that people will suddenly face a new reality which they never saw coming.

CONSTITUTION
People said that the current constitutional making process was heavily flawed and encouraged the government to ensure that the process is democratic and people driven.

The common feeling was that a flawed process can only produce a flawed outcome. Few among the delegates felt that civil society organizations would have lost an opportunity saying that their participation had a greater influence on the outcome.

ROHR secretary General Tichanzii Gandanga spoke about ROHR’s position in relation to the current constitutional making process which he said fell short of democratic standards. Gandanga said from the day it was founded ROHR has been advocating for a democratic and people driven constitutional making process.

What the people said:
·         That the current constitutional making process is flawed and will produce flawed results.
·         That politicians distance themselves from the national healing process since most of them were involved in human rights abuses.
·         That media reforms be put in place to promote freedom of expression and diversity of views.
·         That civil society organizations reach out to communities with educational campaign to empower people with information for them make informed decisions and contributions.

By Thomas Madhuku
Information and communications officer (Intern)
Tel +263 4 2911641

Videos of these workshops are available upon request. Feel free to contact the ROHR Zimbabwe information department for copies. For pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/

Last Updated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 18:36

ROHR ZIMBABWE WORKSHOP IN MUTARE – 10 JUNE 2009

Sunday, 14 June 2009 15:00 administrator

13 June 2009

Dear friends

This news feed is a report back to all ROHR Zimbabwe members in United Kingdom who support us, and to all our stakeholders and colleagues who have an interest in the work we do.

This week on Wednesday, ROHR Zimbabwe ran a workshop in Mutare.

We are constantly overwhelmed by the support people give us in the communities. They accept our vision and mission and people are beginning to realize that human rights are an integral part our lives and ours to claim, promote, protect and defend.

Delegates came from far and wide in the districts of Manicaland – from areas such as Nyanga, Katerere, Kazozo, Avilla and even Ruwangwe where ROHR Zimbabwe donated goods to orphans in 2008.

Debates were triggered by presentations made by ROHR Zimbabwe National Chairman Ray Muzenda, invited guests from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). The major topics covered were that of national healing and reconciliations, constitution and the general human rights situation in the country.

The most salient feature about this meeting is the general consensus that now is not the time to talk about national reconciliation. People are keen to see justice prevailing over a blanket amnesty through the Government ‘Forgive and Forget’ campaign. The human rights situation is still untenable and the Government still needs to take concrete steps to settle that area.

Yourssincerely
EdgarChikuvire

REPORT OF THE ROHR ZIMBABWE WORKSHOP HELD IN MUTARE – 10 JUNE 2009

On Wednesday 10 June 2009 ROHR Zimbabwe held a leadership development workshop in Mutare. Delegates were drawn from the eight districts of Manicaland.

This year, ROHR Zimbabwe has run 4 workshops in Mashonaland Central, Matebeleland, Midlands and Manicaland. The workshops are an opportunity for the organization to strengthen its structures of human rights leaders within communities to influence local initiatives for effective advocacy and defense of people’s rights and freedoms.

The platforms are also, and more importantly, used as an opportunity for the organization to consult the people on current national issues and also to find out their opinions and views.

The meeting which was facilitated by ROHR National Chairman, also drew participation from colleagues in other organizations such as Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), National Constitutional Assembly, Mutare residents associations and supporters of the three political parties (ZANU PF, MDC – T and MDC – M)

What the people said:

On Constitution (GPA Article VI)
·         The constitution is a social contract between the leaders and the led. The led tell the leaders that we do not all desire to rule – can you do it on our behalf but do it well. Therefore the constitution is an opportunity for the led to decide exactly how the leaders should lead the people.
·         The process of making the Zimbabwe constitution will also determine the quality and content of the constitution. The content of the new constitution should reflect the aspirations of the people and more importantly rescue Zimbabwe from the paradigm that brought it down to its knees in the past decade.
·         People said the constitution making phase must not be used as misdirection by politicians who might see it as an opportunity to shift people’s attention from the politically motivated crimes committed after the 29 March elections.

On Promotion of Equality, National healing, Cohesion and Unity (GPA article VII)
The people said they learnt of the Inclusive Government’s intention to persuade people to forgive each and forget the effects of the 2008 political violence as a prerequisite for national unity and development.

However, some participants were vowing to revenge what happened to them none the less.

Some people said that it would be difficult for people to forget while known perpetrators were still walking scot free with their lives. An example was given of Joseph Chinotimba the vice chairman of a war veterans association, who they alleged killed many people in Buhera where he contested as a Zanu PF candidate and lost. They allege that Chinotimba tied the dead bodies to the trailer of his truck in public display, threatening people with the same fate if they refused to support ZANU PF.

The MDC was warned not to rush to the media and the communities with forgive and forget message because the people still do not trust ZANU PF. They see ZANU PF turning back and reactivating its crack down on the people. Will MDC be able to face the same people telling them that they lied?

Here are some of the highlights of what people said on the issue of National healing and reconciliation:
·         This is not the right time to call for national healing and reconciliation because the violence is still happening within communities.
·         There is no guarantee that politicians have reformed and people live in constant fear that the violence campaign can easily begin since the ZANU PF’s infrastructure of violence is still intact. Commanders of the army, who were known as ward co-ordinators are still in the camps that were used to unleash terror in the communities in 2008.
·         People feel that Article VII of the GPA conveniently avoided the use of the word Justice. There should be justice and if possible compensation before the Government starts talking about National unity.
·         Women in the conference pointed out that there is not money that will be able to compensate the damage (psychological and physical) done to rape victims.

Delegates at the workshop spoke hard against the government led national healing and reconciliation process which they said was a clear sign of lack of proper commitment to heal the nation and move forward. It was clearly spelt out that the nation is not ripe for national healing; many spoke against the government’s involvement in the process saying that this could negatively affect people’s participation. Participants said that a credible process can only be led by independent persons free of government’s interference like the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission that was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

People present also encouraged the government and civil society to find common ground and work together in the constitutional reform process which they said was the only missing link for free and fair elections. Most of the delegates said that a people driven constitution comes from a people driven process. The government cannot decide how it shall govern the people since it is the right of citizens to define how they shall be governed by writing a constitution for themselves.

The workshop attendants reiterated the need for peace alleging that violence was still widespread in rural areas. Recent cases of political violence were reported where purported MDC supporters had their houses burnt down in Chipinge and Nyanga in May 2009.

For photos of the workshop, check; http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/.

Last Updated on Sunday, 14 June 2009 15:06

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