EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In January, the Zimbabwe Peace Project documented 110 human rights violations,
reflecting continued constraints on the enjoyment of protected human rights. These
violations directly affected 3,677 victims, including 1,721 women and 1,956 men,
demonstrating the widespread nature of rights infringements across provinces. Notably,
33
persons
with
disabilities
were
among
those
affected,
underscoring
the
disproportionate vulnerability of groups that are already at heightened risk of exclusion
and discrimination.
The violations recorded point to persistent patterns of civic space restriction and abuse
of power. Documented cases include threats of violence, assault, inequitable distribution
of government support, and limitations on freedoms of assembly, association, and
expression, alongside barriers to accessing essential social services. Additional violations
such as unjustified arrests, displacement, malicious damage to property, and prolonged
detention highlight the ongoing risks faced by citizens in enjoying their rights.
Analysis of perpetrator trends reveals significant involvement by both political and statelinked actors. Members and supporters of the ruling party accounted for 45.6% of those
perpetuating violations,indicating the continued politicization of civic and socioeconomic spaces. Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) accounted for 13.1%,
and other state security agents contributed 3.0%, raising concerns around the role of
security institutions in undermining, rather than upholding, human rights protections.
Institutions also played a notable role, with government authorities responsible for 5.1%,
local authorities 11.4%, and school authorities 8.9% of perpetrators. Community leaders
were also implicated, with traditional leaders contributing 10.1% and religious leaders
0.4%. A further 2.5% of violations were committed by perpetrators with no clear
institutional or political affiliation.
Geographically, violations were recorded across all provinces, illustrating the nationwide
nature of rights concerns. Manicaland recorded the highest number with 31 violations,
followed by Masvingo with 19, and Harare with 16. Other provinces reflected sustained
rights pressures, with Midlands recording 13 and Mashonaland West 10, Mashonaland
East 6, Matabeleland North 5, and Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South
recording 4 each, while Bulawayo recorded 2 violations. This distribution signals that
while intensity varies, human rights risks remain present across multiple regions.
Overall, the January data reflects continued structural and institutional challenges in the
protection, promotion, and fulfilment of human rights, reinforcing the urgent need for
strengthened accountability mechanisms, rights-based governance, and safeguards to
protect vulnerable and marginalised populations.
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