A view from ROHR Wolverhampton Branch

ROHR advocates Peace, Justice and Freedom

Only a week after its launch on 25 October 2008, ROHR Wolverhampton is vibrant. Several people are phoning expressing their wish to join the organisation.

On Saturday 1st November, 2008, three members of the Interim Committee; (Colleen Maredza – Chairperson; Mr Joseph Nyamande - activist and myself (Veronica Chakeredza) – Information & Publicity Secretary braved the chilly and wet weather to support the launch of ROHR Manchester.

The exciting journey to and from Manchester by the trio was also an opportunity to bond as committee members as well as to learn from the experiences of other branches.

In Manchester, delegates expressed enthusiasm and commitment to be part in the Restoration of Human Rights – ROHR Zimbabwe.

Mr E Tapa, the Founder and President of ROHR explained in detail the Aims & Objectives of ROHR and called on members to mobilise / recruit other Zimbabweans and sympathisers from other nationalities to join and support ROHR Zimbabwe.

The President cited some disheartening recent incidences of human rights abuse back in Zimbabwe; where people are still being killed; tortured; victimised even when they stage a peaceful demonstration. On Monday 27 October 2008; some members of ROHR who staged a peaceful demo in Harare were abducted, tortured and one Osborn Kachuru was killed by ZANUPF militia led by a Government Minister.

The President explained that ROHR is a rights –based non-party political organisation which was established to advocate and fight for the restoration of human rights in Zimbabwe as enshrined within the Zimbabwean Constitution, African Charter of Peoples and Human Rights and United Nations Human Rights treaties of which Zimbabwe had ratified. He explained that most rights for Zimbabweans are being violated and that the abuses had to be challenged and resisted. These include;

Right to food
Right to health
Right to education
Right to life and security of person
Right to fair trial and freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment
Right to information; and the freedom of expression, assembly and association
Right to a government of our choice and many more.

A wake-up call to every Zimbabwean;

Mr Tapa explained that self-respect and respect for others is essential in the promotion of justice and peace in any country.

Of major concern was that Zimbabweans are not patriotic when it comes to their country. One participant, Moses Nyagodzi, said of the Zimbabwean community in UK; “we are described as highly educated, very intelligent and articulate INDIVIDUALS who are very individualistic and selfish. If I can’t have it then no one else should – that sums up the Zim community”. What do you say to this? I personally felt much challenged!

Mr Tapa challenged members to take the initiative to support the ROHR movement back home with donations as well as actively participate in its membership and activities. Members were encouraged to come up with ideas and activities which would promote awareness and mobilise other Zimbabweans to join.

ROHR is an all inclusive organisation irrespective of immigration status. It’s about influencing change back home.

The fact is; whether you like it or not; you are a Zimbabwean and you cannot turn a blind eye to issues which directly affect you. Remember the old adage - Home is BEST. It takes you and me to make it BEST. Remember, Zimbabwe was once a jewel for Africa. It needs you and me to restore the JEWEL – AND ROHR is one such vehicle to utilise.

As you read this article; I urge you to take a moment to reflect on your mother country – Zimbabwe. Ask yourself what contribution you can make to promote democracy, justice and peace and take that action today.

Imagine the political impasse; the shift in priorities to the Power-sharing talks while people are dying of hunger; children not going to school; victimisation, torture and some people languishing in prisons because they are victims of circumstances and many other concerns which you already know and are aware of. Remember – together we can help transform the situation in Zimbabwe.

Americans by electing Barak Obama as the next US President, are rejoicing today because they uphold human rights – what of us?

This meeting really challenged us to stop being SIMPLE and NAÏVE about issues which concern us and got us fired up to contribute to the RESTORATION of HUMAN RIGHTS.

In conclusion; my brother and my sister; get rid of the fear, apathy, selfishness, pride ignorance – whatever it is in you; and take action to build a better future for Zimbabwe – OUR BELOVED COUNTRY.

Veronica Chakeredza – Information & Publicity Secretary – Wolverhampton Branch.

Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

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