PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Manicaland
Masvingo
Manialand recorded the highest number of violations, 24. In
Masvingo province recorded 11 human rights
January, Zimbabwean schools reopened on January 14, but
many institutions in the province defied the statutory
instrument prohibiting schools from turning away students
over unpaid fees. Some schools, like Mashonjowa High
School, demanded extra fees, such as $10 for additional
lessons, while others, like Chakohwa School, required full
payment for access to education. This undermines the right to
education enshrined in Zimbabwe's Constitution. Furthermore,
food
aid
and
fertilizer
distribution
were
marred
by
politicization. ZANU PF leaders hijacked fertilizer distribution
in Chipinge urban ward 5, prioritizing their members over
others. In one incident, ZANU PF leaders looted fertilizer,
violations in January, a significant drop from
23 in December 2024. The violations
included unfair distribution of food aid.
Other violations included a disregard of the
right to equality and non-discrimination. In
one case, a young female student was
denied the right to access education as
councillor Tapiwa Ngorima of Mwenezi
North, ward 6 removed the victim’s name
from a CAMFED scholarship’s beneficiary
list because her mother does not attend
ZANU PF meetings.
distributing one bag per three people to non-party members,
while party members received one bag each.
Conclusion
The continued disregard of human rights in Zimbabwe demands immediate attention and action. The
documented violations are a stark reminder that there is a need for all sectors to uphold human rights and make
perpetrators accountable. The government must ensure that institutions responsible for promoting and protecting
human rights are independent, effective, and accessible to all. This will ensure that perpetrators of human rights
violations will be investigated, prosecuted, and punished accordingly. Victims and their families must receive
adequate compensation and support. Regarding civic space and freedom of expression, the government must
respect and protect the rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Civil society organizations
must be allowed to operate freely, without surveillance, infiltration, or intimidation. Ultimately, the government of
Zimbabwe must prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights, ensuring that all citizens can enjoy their
rights and freedoms without fear of persecution or intimidation. The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) is closely
tracking the escalating political tensions surrounding the 2030 agenda, which may lead to a surge in human
rights abuses by political actors as well as security institutions. Additionally, ZPP is monitoring the impact of the
US foreign aid freeze on Zimbabwe, with concerns that it may exacerbate major human rights violations,
particularly in the areas of civil and political rights, as well as health rights.