May 2019
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Analysis
The month of May has sadly exposed the second administration for its lack of sincerity in terms
of upholding the rule of law. The wanton arrest of CSOs, propagation of falsehoods and
propaganda in the ruling party aligned media and the continued politicisation of food aid shows
there is no difference from the Mugabe administration.
Reports that the Zanu PF cell restructuring exercise currently taking place is being used in
awarding food aid is rather disconcerting. Furthermore, we have noted that in some areas there
are reports of people being obligated into supplying their information in order to be added as
members of the party and therefore get food aid. People’s rights to freedom of choice must be
respected and upheld.
Of concern also is the victimisation of teachers as well as their union leaders around
participation in the looming job action. Threats that teachers will lose their jobs if they
participate in the strike are particularly worrisome considering that the economy is at a free fall
and jobs are generally hard to come by. The meddling by politicians and war veterans in labour
matters of civil servants must be condemned in the strongest terms.
ZPP commends the MDC for successfully holding their elective congress and trust that the
peace and stability which characterised the event will permeate to all processes of their party.
It is distressing to note that Cyclone Idai survivors are still being further victimised as they are
deprived of food aid which people have donated immensely and are still donating and have a
right to. Furthermore, the hurdles they now face in accessing identity documents must be
removed as a matter of urgency as promised by government. It is their right to have these
documents. We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to act urgently to
alleviate the survivors’ suffering. Overall, survivors should be relocated to safer, permanent
location for them to establish their residences and be given necessary inputs for a start so that
they do not rely on aid going forward. On the other hand we also appeal to the conscience of
others such as school officials to be understanding and not humiliate and harass school children.
Running battles between vendors, municipal police and ZPS is a clear sign that the economic
conditions in the country need urgent redress and also exposes the police’s inability to handle
volatile situations. The recent shooting of one vendor in Harare may well be a clear indicator
that the situation is fast becoming untenable. The use of live ammunition was something
particularly addressed by recommendations of the Mothlante Commission, that is “The Police
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