PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Matabeleland North
In Matabeleland North province, five human rights violations were documented, involving discrimination in
government sponsored aid distribution and political interference in community leadership. On 9 January 2026, in
Ward 29 (Emphafeni), farmers reported irregularities in agricultural input distribution, including selective allocation
of groundnuts and maize seed to ruling party supporters, and sharing of 50kg fertiliser bags among three farmers,
raising concerns over fairness and equal access to government assistance. In Binga South, a village secretary was
removed from his position for not aligning with ruling party positions, affecting his political rights and freedom of
association.
Conclusion
The human rights situation in Zimbabwe, as reflected in January’s monitoring, underscores the persistence of
structural vulnerabilities and the systemic nature of rights infringements. Persisting trends in rights abuses point to
a gap between formal rights protections and lived realities on the ground. Particularly concerning are violations
that affect already marginalised populations, such as persons with disabilities, women, and communities facing
displacement or environmental hazards.
Addressing these challenges requires urgent, coordinated, and rights-centered interventions and the political will
of diverse duty bearers to respond effectively. Strengthening accountability mechanisms is key. Without deliberate,
enforceable measures that prioritise equity, safety, and dignity, the current trajectory risks deepening social
inequality, entrenching impunity, and undermining public trust in governance. A holistic approach, combining legal
accountability, community empowerment, and structural reform, remains critical to safeguarding human rights and
fostering a culture of respect, justice, and inclusion across Zimbabwe.