Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

ROHR Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s International Human Rights Day under the theme ‘embrace diversity end discrimination’. The complexity of the challenges posed by discrimination in its various forms (particularly on the grounds of political affiliation) to the realization of equality, dignity and rights for all human beings is our society’s most pressing human rights problem.   

Despite the non negotiable principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, as the society stands today these fundamental human rights have become privileges defined by individual groups, political parties, state institutions as weapons of oppression targeted  at those who hold divergent ideas, beliefs, opinions and choices as opposed to the politically dominant forces. 

Discrimination is a major stumbling block to achieving the Millennium Development Goals particularly ending poverty and hunger, achieving universal education, achieving gender equality, child health and combating HIV/AIDS.  

ROHR Zimbabwe is pushing the government to embrace more realistic reforms in the state institutions and public service delivery towards good governance to embrace the society’s diverse needs and desist from the cancerous culture of discrimination on the grounds of political affiliation to appease certain political parties and individuals.  

Crisis coalition in conjunction with ROHR Zimbabwe held a constitutional meeting on Monday, 30th November at 1400 hours at Mamina growth point in Mhondoro Ngezi, Mashonaland West province.  More than 80 villagers attended the meeting, including councilors from various wards.  

The meeting is part of the ongoing meetings being held by Crisis coalition to stimulate debate around the envisaged constitution making process. Resident Councilor Frank Denhere from ward 1 gave a splendid presentation on the various constitutional thematic areas and he welcomed the opportunity for Zimbabweans to write their own constitution as historic. “This is an opportune moment to replace the Lancaster house constitution which did not reflect the aspirations and wishes of the people of Zimbabwe” said councilor Denhere.

He said a genuine people driven constitution should protect the people’s rights and freedoms and not oppress them as reflected by the current constitution which has been doctored / amended 19 times to bolster the stranglehold on power by individuals against the people’s expectations.

Farai Machaya from Crisis coalition challenged the youth and women to seize this opportunity to address their plight by making empowering inputs into the constitution to address issues of gender parity, unemployment and gender violence to name a few.

ROHR Zimbabwe programs manager Clifford Hlatswayo advocated for the domestication of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACPHR) in the impending Zimbabwe constitution, the inalienable universality of human rights and the formation of independent commissions that are free of political interference to guard the people’s fundamental human rights. Hlatswayo also encouraged people to demand transparency and accountability from elected public officials.

It is with great pride that I announce the successful birth of ROHR Zimbabwe’s North London branch which was launched on the 7th November 2009 at the Tottenham Chances in North London. The meeting was opened with a prayer by Sister Snodia and followed by introductions. Mr Ephraim Tapa (the founder) was not in attendance but an apology was relayed to the attendees for his absence. The occasion and events were presided over by ROHR representatives Mr P Mapfumo (UK Co-odinator), Miss Pamela Dunduru (Organising Secretary UK ), Mr Tichaona Mutyambizi and Mr Tapfumaneyi a solicitor from Bake and Co solicitors. The launch was represented by Zimbabwean activists from different races, political and religious sectors with some travelling from as far as West Bromwich but the human rights agenda was the mutual objective and principle. 

We give thanks to our key speakers Miss Pamela Dunduru and Mr Mutyambizi for being great orators by providing stimulation for the people to listen and learn and also participate in a question and answer session in which all in attendance were left better equipped to represent the organisation and reflect its objectives to the general public .The need for activism on the human rights front was emphasised by the speakers to all ROHR members and also members were urged to participate in demonstrations like the Zimbabwe Vigil that highlight the abuses in Zimbabwe . Good activism to emulate was shown by members of ROHR Hayes branch who put together medical supplies, stationary and clothes for donation to the under privileged in Zimbabwe. The speakers encouraged and spoke highly of such activism as it supports the needy and instills hope in the people. The people were notified and urged to attend the ROHR Milton Keynes fundraising event and the upcoming petition on the 19th November which will be presented to 10 Downing Street .Thanks to Mr Tapfumaneyi who answered questions from the audience concerning employment law, family law, immigration and asylum issues. Zimbaweans were urged to sturdy and develop themselves as individuals to build a New Zimbabwe when the time comes and when its safe to return home. 

Everyone was presented with copies of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Zimbabwe is a signatory of the African Charter of Human  and Peoples’ Rights but it’s surprising when you look at the reports of torture, abductions, unlawful arrests, detention without trial amongst a whole lot of other abuses which still continue in Zimbabwe. Special thanks was given to the organisers of the event Collin Chitekwe Co-odinator, Gladys Mapanda, Bekithemba Nyahwa, Valarie Chengaose, Tonderai Magara, and Chipo Denenga, who all had various tasks from cooking the delicious  food served on the day. hiring and preparing the venue, and designing and distributing flyers. An interim committee was elected with the elections conducted by Pamela Dunduru and Mr Mandere the chairman of ROHR Milton Keynes and the following were elected:
Chair                                         Gladys Mapanda                                            
Vice Chair                                 Tonderai Magara
Secretary                                  Valerie Chengaose
Vice Secretary                           Patricia Nyamadzi
Treasurer                                   Lungile Ncube
Information & Publicity                Bekithemba Nyahwa
Gender Secretary                       Angela Tigere
Fundraiser                                 Wellington Chimombe
Youth Secretary                         Chipo Denenga
Organising Secretary                  Philomena Ngirazi 

As the events were drawing near to the end the North London branch was presented with a cake from the Hayes branch to bless the occasion of which everyone had a share. The meeting was closed with a prayer by Maina Muchinjika. 

On behalf of the interim committee and the chairperson of ROHR North London branch l would like to thank all those who attended and supported this event as you all contributed to the successful launch of our branch. 86 people signed the register. 

Bekithemba Nyahwa
Information & Publicity, North London Branch