ROHR News Alert - Civil Society and Church express concerns on National Healing process
Fri, 26 Feb 10 22:22
administrator
The Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration in conjunction with NANGO yesterday convened a consultative meeting at the Harare International Conference Centre in a bid to capture the suggestions and inputs from the Harare metropolitan province towards the setting up of a mechanism to achieve National Healing, Cohesion and Unity. The meeting is the last of the rounds of provincial consultative meetings carried out by the organ.
Representing the organ was their chairman, Vice President J.L. Nkomo, Minister Sekai Holland and core Minister Gibson Sibanda. Submissions were heard from various thematic sectors which include the disabled, environmental, youths, women, children, humanitarian and churches.
Growing consensus emerged to the fact that the various sectors had reservations in a National Healing process led by politicians. Understanding the undeniable contribution that was made by politicians in promoting conflict and violence in the worst violence in the history of Zimbabwe, it was submitted that the National Healing process should be led by independent bodies not directly linked to the existing political parties.
The church and civil society articulated pre-requisite fundamental minimum guidelines to be followed for the National Healing process to be credible and authentic. Firstly they submitted that the process is not a standalone event, it needs to be complimented by media reforms, re-institutionalization of key state arms like the security forces and upholding of the rule of law; secondly it should be all inclusive, assume a bottom up approach, should be community based, decentralized and victim centered.
Thirdly, other basic standards include national truth telling programs by victims and perpetrators of political violence, prosecution of perpetrators of human rights crimes, no blanket amnesty for crimes against humanity, reform of educational curriculum to embrace peace building, and gender equity.
To make effective reddress of the plight of victims of political violence, it was submitted that there should be both restorative and retributive justice, national rehabilitation centers should be set up for psycho-social support and security of victims should be guaranteed in truth telling.
Concerns were raised over the fresh outbreaks of violence in Epworth and Buhera, the controversy surrounding the mining of diamonds in Chiadzwa, the continued fanning of hate speech by the national media particularly the Herald newspaper and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings.
In his key note, the Vice President dwelt much on the pre -independence conflicts which led to the liberation struggle and took a swipe at the post independence conflicts which brought about the coalition government and the prolonged negotiations between the three conflicting political parties. “During that time, there were a lot of questions without answers and people had to resort to violence to get their freedom. The system was very easy to lock people up to silence them “said Nkomo.
Minister Holland commended the civil society for the relentless work done in the past decades in agitating for democratization. She encouraged the civil society to remain focused during this time of transition until we get to the post conflict Zimbabwe.
ROHR Zimbabwe challenges the three principals to the GPA to walk the talk, publicly denounce violence, acknowledge past wrongs, and accept responsibility for their contribution to violence and crimes against humanity as a gesture of their serious commitment towards National Healing to guarantee public confidence that violence will never be an option to solving conflict.
For Peace, Justice and Freedom
Last Updated ( Fri, 05 Mar 10 22:02 )
ROHR – HAYES BRANCH FUNDRAISING PARTY
Thu, 25 Feb 10 13:53
administrator
FUND RAISING PARTY IN SUPPORT OF THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZIMBABWE.
DATE: 27th February 2010 – DON’T MISS THIS GOOD CAUSE EVENT!!
GUEST OF HONOUR: HON DR PHYLLIS STARKEY MP
VENUE: CORONATION HALL, STOKE ROAD, WATER EATON BLETCHLEY, MILTON KEYNES, MK2 3AB
CONTRIBUTION: £7.50 PER PERSON, THIS ENTITLES YOU TO ENTRY, A MEAL AND A SOFT DRINK
MAIN EVENT: DISCO WITH THE LATEST ZIMBABWE TUNES, RUMBA, DANCE HALL ETC.
ZIMBABWE CUISINE: NYAMA NE SADZA, GOCHI GOCHI, MAZONDO, MURIWO, FISH, SANDWICHES, FISH, ETC
BEER, WINES, SPIRITS, MINERALS, JUICES
PRIZES GALORE - RAFFLE: COMPUTER, PRINTER, DVD AND MOBILE PHONE
BEST FEMALE DANCER
BEST MALE DANCER
BEST OVERALL DANCER
BEST DRESSED FEMALE
BEST DRESSED MALE
BEST DRESSED OVERALL
Full programme available from branch contacts: Rhoda 075889516123 Martha 07727016098, Snodia 07852921523, PMapfumo 07932216070, Charity 07898765091 or E-mail:
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Last Updated ( Thu, 25 Feb 10 15:41 )
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Statement from ROHR Zimbabwe on the arbitrary arrest of activists meeting over the constitution making process
Sat, 06 Feb 10 12:36
administrator
ROHR Zimbabwe is greatly dismayed by the uncomplimentary behavior that is being shown by the state through its law enforcement arm, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in denying the general public the right to assemble and associate freely over the envisaged constitution consultation outreach program. It is highly concerning that more than 70 political and human rights activist from WOZA and the MDC have so far been arbitrarily arrested over what the police is alleging ‘’unsanctioned meetings’’.
As a human rights organization, we note with grave concern that the continued existence of prohibitive legislation like POSA and AIPPA is an anathema to the much needed conducive environment in which the citizenry can assembly, associate and expressly freely towards the writing of a constitution that will reflect the aspirations of the people.
The recent arbitrary arrests by the police are not only a clear disregard to the interpretation of the law but tantamount to derailing the constitutional outreach program by sending alarm signals among the citizenry on its role in the process.
We further challenge the ZRP to act professionally in executing its duties in line with the international human rights standards (Universal Declaration of Human Rights UDHR, African Charter on Peoples’ Rights and Freedoms ACPR) in dealing with the citizenry during the duration of the constitutional outreach program.
Cognizant of the fact that the continued existence of draconian laws like POSA and AIPPA will only yield a flawed constitutional outreach program, it is pertinent that the coalition government considers legal reforms that will promote a more enabling environment to encourage the free participation and security of participants without fear of intimidation, persecution or victimization ahead of the constitutional outreach program set to begin soon.
Given the long documented legacy of the abuse of state machinery by the ZANU Pf party in relentless efforts to harass political and human rights activist, we strongly urge the other partners to the coalition government to take a principled position to ensure that the ZRP will not be complicity in ZANU Pf’s agenda to coerce the citizenry to adopt the undemocratic Kariba Draft constitution which gives too much executive powers to a president with unlimited term of office among other short serious comings.
Understanding that the constitution making process is an opportune moment for Zimbabweans to define their God given, social, economic, civil and political rights into a supreme law that will guide elected leaders with the responsibility to rule and govern the country, it is critical to ensure that the voice of the people is not lost or swayed to suit narrow egocentric partisan agendas.
For Peace, Justice and Freedom
Last Updated ( Sat, 06 Feb 10 12:38 )
NOTICES
Thu, 04 Feb 10 00:00
administrator
IMPORTANT GENERAL NOTICE FROM ROHR UK
As part of the ongoing branch audit exercise, a request was made calling upon all branches to submit their activity reports by the specified deadline. Regrettably, some branches did not heed the instruction and as a consequence, action is now afoot to declare such branches dead or self-serving if nothing is heard from them by 31 May 2010. The National Executive takes a very serious view on self-serving branch officials/members and therefore, intends to name and shame them where this is proven.
As aforesaid, action will be taken if we do not hear from the following branches by 31/05/2010; Bournemouth, Swansea, Reading, Coventry, Stevenage and Stoke-On-Trent.
Also please note, all members are reminded to maintain an update account of their membership subscriptions. According to ROHR Zimbabwe constitution (Article 8.5), membership will be lost 'upon failure to renew annual membership or when falls two months in arrears'. When that becomes the case, please note that ROHR Zimbabwe will do everything in its power to protect its image by distancing itself from the actions of such former members.
By Order of the UK National Executive
ROHR Liverpool Vigil. Saturday 31st July from 2 – 5 pm. Venue: Church Street (Outside Primark), Liverpool City Centre. For details please contact: Anywhere Mungoyo 07939913688, Trywell Migeri 07956083758, Panyika Karimanzira 07551062161. Future demonstrations: 7th and 21st August, 4th September. Same time and venue.
ROHR Bournemouth get-together and executive election. Saturday 31st July from 2 – 10 pm. Venue: East Cliff United Reformed Church opposite ASDA Store, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AW. Contact: Abi Nzimba 07780831455 or Sekai Mujeyi 07772211220 or P Mapfumo 07915926323 / 07932216070. Food, drink, music, Everyone welcome.
ROHR Hayes general meeting. Saturday 31st July from 1 – 5 pm. Venue: Brookside Community Centre, Hayes, UB4 0PE. The raffle for the Computer, DVD player, Printer and Samsung mobile phone will be drawn andtickets are still on sale. ROHR Executive present. Contact Roda Kulhengisa 07958205544, Snodia Chihowa 07852921523, Charity Nyamuzuwe 07898765091 or P Mapfumo 0791592623 / 07932216070
ROHR West Bromwich general meeting. Saturday 31st July 2010 from 1 – 5 pm. Venue: St Peters Church Hall, Whitehall Road, West Bromwich B70 0HF. Contact: Pamela Dunduru 07958386718, Peter Nkomo 07817096594, Diana Mtendereki 07837682108, P Chibanguza 07908406069 or P Mapfumo 07915926323.
ROHR Stoke-On-Trent general meeting. Saturday 7th August from 2 – 5 pm. Venue YMCA Edinburgh House. Harding Road Stoke-On-Trent ST1 3AE. Substantive commitee to be elected. Executive members present on the day. Contact: Pauline Mutema on 07850462301, David Mugwira 07866873493, Maxwell Dube 07533349840, P Chibanguza 07908406069 or P Mapfumo 07915926323/07932216070
ROHR Woking general meeting. Saturday 7th August. Venue: 61 Sunbury Lane, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2JA, Surrey. Come let's share ideas – things getting worse back home. Contact: Isacc Mudzamiri 07774044873, Sithokozile Hlokana 07886203113 or P Mapfumo on 07915926323/07932216070.
ROHR London South-East Branch general meeting. Saturday 14th August at 1 pm. Venue: 16 Sydenham Road, London SE26 5QW. We call upon all Zimbabweans, members and non-members of ROHR to assemble with us. We value you, hence this invitation. Together we can achieve more. Contact: Wellington Rupere 07799702750, Priscilla Chitsinde 07804696328, Courage Chiromo 07894586005 or P Mapfumo 07915926323 / 07932216070.
Last Updated ( Thu, 29 Jul 10 21:14 )
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