Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

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)