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E-mailIt 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
