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Launch of ROHR Chelmsford Branch – 28th February 2009

Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:04 administrator

On 28th February it was all about ROHR Chelmsford Launch meeting. It was a golden day for the President Mr Ephraim Tapa and all other ROHR members, supporters and activists who gathered to commemorate the event. Also flying high on the day was the DJ. (Billy Machekano) who graced the event with some Zimbabwean tunes. The event was held at Springfield Parish Hall, Centre in Chelmsford and was hosted by Robert Mafigo, Billy Machekano, Tendai Gwanzura and Faith Benesi who were running around to make this a success. 33 people attended the meeting including ROHR President Mr Tapa.

The introduction and the welcome message were done by Robert Mafigo and everyone introduced themselves and telling the panel where they came from. This was a moving and touching moment to learn that some people had travelled more than 200 miles to come for this event. After the introductions Robert handed the floor to Mr Tapa who has moved from strength to strength from the day ROHR was formed. He was the main speaker of the event.

Mr Tapa started by introducing himself and then explained how the organization was formed, its objectives and fundamental beliefs such as justice, freedom and peace. He then appealed to every peace loving Zimbabwean to join and support the organization to stop the human rights violations in Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa told the gathering that the struggle for a free Zimbabwe must continue until a free and fair election under international supervision is held in Zimbabwe.

He argued that the just formed Government of National Unity would only help to provide a temporary truce between the political foes. This was confirmed by a speech at President Mugabe’s birthday bash, where he also told his party supporters that, the unity government was a temporary arrangement and they should prepare for new elections, possibly after two years. Mr Tapa reiterated that there would not be any lasting peace in Zimbabwe without genuine democracy and true justice. Those who perpetrated human rights violations must be arrested and punished if the many exiled Zimbabweans were to feel safe to return to Zimbabwe. Mr Tapa’s speech turned on everyone who was at the meeting.

When people come for such meetings they come with many questions and different motives but Mr Tapa came prepared to answer, teach and open our eyes. People asked questions and everyone participated with the inputs and the quality of the outcome was just exceptional.

To sum up the days event, I find pride to say that people in Zimbabwe need us to help them. You and me if we team up we make a difference. Justice prevails and innocent people should not suffer in the name of selfishness, inhuman and inconsiderate leadership. Human rights should be restored in Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans should be able to enjoy freedom.

Traditional food was prepared by Tendai Gwanzura and Robert Mafigo. The serving of food and drinks was done by Faith Benesi and Petronella P Wadzingenyama as part of their contribution to support the meeting. After question time Mr Tapa ordained the elected members as follows:

Elected Committee
Chairperson                                Robert Mafigo
Vice Chairperson                       Tendai Gwanzura
Secretary                                     Petronella P. Wadzingenyama
Organising Secretary                 Faith Benesi
Publicity and Information           Billy Machekano
Tresasurer                                   Charity Shaillet Marere
Fundraiser                                   Tobokwa Malikongwa
Activist                                        Zenzele Nyathi

Everyone made sure that housekeeping was done and left the place clean and tidy after the meeting.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:12

DEATH OF SUSAN TSVANGIRAI – A LOSS TO THE NATION

Sunday, 08 March 2009 22:10 administrator

It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of the tragic accident on Friday that left the prime Minister injured and took the life of his wife Susan Tsvangirai. Restoration of Human Rights is deeply saddened by the death of Mai Tsvangirai only three months after her husband took a position of great responsibility as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

We convey our condolences to the families of the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Susan Tsvangirai during this time of difficulty. The nation is in shock and in pain and the loss belongs to all Zimbabweans.

In 2003, Susan Tsvangirai once said that she’ll one day serve tea in State House, take up the cause of those who suffer from HIV/AIDS and champion women’s rights in the grassroots. The tragic accident shattered this dream and robbed Zimbabweans of a truly humble, mature and passionate first lady who had the rights of the disadvantaged at heart.

Susan Tsvangirai was a pillar to her husband in the ten years of his struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe even in the face of relentless state onslaught. Mai Tsvangirai is survived by 6 children. She was 50 years by the time of her death.

The Board of Trustees, staff and management of ROHR Zimbabwe wishes the honorable Prime Minister Morgan Richard Tsvangirai a speedy recovery, and pray that God give him strength (physical and spiritual) to continue with his messianic duties as a leader towards the inevitable emancipation of the people of Zimbabwe.

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe
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Last Updated on Sunday, 08 March 2009 22:13

Gono, Tomana must go

Thursday, 05 March 2009 21:15 administrator

The appointment of Gideon Gono as Reserve Bank Governor and Johannes Tomana as the Attorney General by the president, followed by Mugabe’s birthday speech reinforcing his appointments as irreversible have prompted us to issue out this statement. ROHR Zimbabwe wishes to put it on record that it will not support such appointments considering that the two men have presided over the worst economic and political situation in the country, during their reign the country has witnessed the worst human rights record since independence in 1980. Besides the fact that the appointments were not made in consultation with other parties as dictated by the SADC communiqué, these men are not fit to continue holding such public offices.

As a nation in a transition we need to move forward for the benefit of the nation, it then defies logic to note that by appointing Gono and Tomana, Mugabe is only concerned with maintaining his grip on power at the expense of the suffering masses. By reappointing Gono as the RBZ Governor it simply suggests that Mugabe was content with Gono’s records of abusing public funds sponsoring terror campaigns and violence prior to the June 27 election runoff. Gono cannot even name corrupt officials in Zanu PF though he admitted that he knows them, can he be the best candidate for that job. During Gono’s reign people spend days without accessing their daily withdrawals some sleeping at banks to access the little cash that could not sustain an individual for a mere week.

The unilateral appointment of Gono and Tomana undermines the SADC communiqué issued in Pretoria on the 27th of January and the Global Political Agreement signed by the three political parties Zanu PF and the two MDC formations in September last year. The SADC communiqué unequivocally states that, ‘’the appointments of the Reserve bank governor and the Attorney general will be dealt with by the inclusive government after its formation’’.

Given the outstanding record of incompetence, failure and abuse of office by the two, it defies logic that Robert Mugabe is prepared to defend Gono and Tomana against calls for them to step down. The honorable question one needs to ask is whose interest they are serving, when they have failed the nation.

‘’Where appointments have been made in accordance with the law, I don’t see why they should be reversed. They will not be removed, they are not going anywhere.” R Mugabe

Gono’s policies have been one of the main drivers of the countries hyperinflation, officially over 230 million percent, but estimated by Rank one an independent organization that analyses world inflation records to be 6.5 quintillion percent. Donor funds are alleged to have disappeared under his watch, including 7.3 million US donated in 2008 by the Global fund to fight AIDS, TB , malaria and purchasing anti-retroviral drugs for Zimbabweans living with HIV and AIDS.

ROHR Zimbabwe further notes with growing concern the role being played by the incumbent Attorney General in invoking the infamous section 121 to incarcerate human rights and political activist granted bail orders. It is on reliable record that Tomana has openly declared his allegiance to Zanu PF, known for openly announcing on state run newspaper that Jestina Mukoko was a threat to national security, Johannes Tomana is by default unfit to be the Attorney General for the simple reason that he is bound to represent his party interest rather than his public office. Tomana is also known for publicly announcing that Jestina Mukoko was a threat to national security when everyone knows that Jestina is innocent.

Tomana, an ardent supporter of President Mugabe has set a wrong precedence of defying court orders as shown in the state’s defying a ruling by the SADC Tribunal barring government from proceeding with the unlawful eviction of white farm owners.It is therefore no coincidence as noted by independent analyst that since 2000 to date and before, Zanu PF has been engaged in human rights abuse including abductions, mass displacements, and imprisonment of political opponents. It is high time we move away from things that isolate our country from the international community but with Gono and Tomana there is no guarantee of a return to the rule of law, respect of human rights, democracy and freedoms that are enshrined in international treaties such as the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and other such treaties.

The recent farm invasions and appointment of senior government officials by Robert Mugabe without consulting his partners to the GPA is further evidence to show that Mugabe is unrepentant and a liability to the people of Zimbabwe.

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Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 21:19

ROHR ZIMBABWE WELCOMES THE RELEASE OF 8 ABDUCTEES

Monday, 02 March 2009 00:00 administrator

ROHR ZIMBABWE WELCOMES THE RELEASE OF 8 ABDUCTEES

ROHR Zimbabwe expresses relief that at least 8 MDC-T supporters and human rights activists who were abducted by the State last year on accusations that they were involved in the recruitment of alleged bandits in Botswana have been finally given bail.

Concelia Chinanzvavana, Fidelis Chiramba, Violet Mupfuranhewe, Colin Mutemagawu, Manuel Chinanzvavana, Pieta Kaseke, Audrice Mbudzana and Broderick Takawira were granted US$600 bail on Friday 30 February by Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe.

However, ROHR Zimbabwe is concerned that the exorbitant US$600 required for bail is not justified especially for people who are in themselves victims of the State. Failure to raise the money may mean that the prisoners of conscience may remain in custody upon that technicality.

We also note that the state presided over the inhuman treatment and torture of the people concerned and their continued detention despite calls for their immediate release and hospitalization. Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) in February reported that Fidelis Chiramba the MDC- District chairman for Zvimba South showed signs of cardiac failure caused by severe hypertension.

ROHR Zimbabwe calls for the speedy and unconditional release of all the other prisoners of conscience without delay.

ROHR Zimbabwe has stages two demonstrations in February 2009 on behalf of the prisoners at the courts, demanding their release, stating that the courts are being used as a technicality to legitimize the further incarceration of the people in question.

We further hold that playing politics with people’s civil and political rights in this age of inclusivity and dialogue will further taint the credibility of the Government of National Unity, which is yet to convince the world and people of Zimbabwe that it holds the solution to the Zimbabwe’s multi-faceted crises.

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ROHR Demonstration: Release Human rights and political prisoners demonstration – Thursday 26 February 2009

Thursday, 26 February 2009 21:48 Edgar Chikuvire

ROHR Zimbabwe protests the detention of political prisoners

Restoration of Human rights Zimbabwe (ROHR) Zimbabwe held a demonstration today in Harare in a campaign towards the attainment, protection and promotion of political and civil liberties of Zimbabweans under the new inclusive government. ROHR Zimbabwe a staged similar demonstration at the courts last week Thursday 18 February 2008 demanding the release of all political and human rights activists.

More than 30 human rights and political detainees are still in detention since November 2008 despite all stakeholder calls for their release. Fifteen days into the inclusive government, the State seems as adamant and determined as ever in efforts to ensure that true justice does not prevail for the victims of the State’s vindictive campaign. ROHR Zimbabwe is of the view that the legal processes currently underway are being used as a way to prolong the incarceration of the people in question.

To worsen the plight of prisoners of conscience, the State has invoked section 121 of the Criminal Procedures and Evidence Act twice since this year since the formation of the Inclusive Government. The section mandates the Attorney general or any one representing him to suspend a court order to allow the state to appeal against the ruling. On 19 February 2009 the Director of Prosecution Ms Florence Ziyambi invoked the section after Judge Ormergie granted bail to Zecharia Nkomo, Chinyota Zulu, Regis Mujeyi and Mapfumo Gurutsa. The same section was invoked by Prosecutor Chris Mutangadura following Justice Tedius Karwi’s order granting bail to Roy Bennett, the deputy Minister of Agriculture designate and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Treasurer.

These demonstrations outside the courts are held under the theme “Free human rights and political Prisoners” whose primary objective is to seek the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience who were unlawfully abducted, arrested and detained in 2008 on trumped up charges and are still in detentions at Chikurubi Prison and other places of detentions. The long term objective is to see a Zimbabwe that respects people’s civil political rights, abstains from unlawful abductions and prolonged detentions of journalists, human rights and political activists and actively promote human rights and political activities in the country.

ROHR Zimbabwe will continue to engage in civil actions in Zimbabwe until all detained journalists, human rights and political prisoners are set free!

Venue:          Harare Magistrate Courts
Time:            900hrs
Event:            Release Human rights and political prisoners demonstration

For photos of the event check http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/

Edgar Chikuvire, Information Director
Phone: +263 912 426638, +263 (4) 744593
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Last Updated on Saturday, 28 February 2009 05:55

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