Matabeleland South
The situation in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, is dire. The province recorded
16 human rights violations amidst severe water scarcity and food insecurity.
This has resulted in a devastating impact on education, with schools reopening
to a low turnout due to parents struggling to pay fees. The economic difficulties
are so severe that hunger is rampant, affecting both humans and livestock. Key
human rights concerns include the Right to Education, Right to Food and Water
and the need to ensure economic security as the crisis is exacerbating poverty,
making it difficult for families to meet their basic needs. This situation is
unacceptable and requires urgent attention from local authorities and
international organisations in order to recognize the inherent dignity and worth
of every individual and work towards upholding their human rights, especially in
times of crisis.
Matabeleland North
Harare
Matabeleland North witnessed human rights
abuses, with 13 violations documented in
the reporting period affecting 37 people.
These violations encompass intimidation,
discrimination, and unlawful arrests of
citizens. Two victims were assaulted and
unlawfully detained at Jotsholo Police Camp,
a sub-station of Lupane ZRP police post
following disagreement with police officials
on motorcycle licences. Village heads in
Binga North received threats purportedly
from ruling party officials that if they are
supporting
opposition
parties
their
allowances would be withheld in October.
Tsholotsho's rural areas face severe water
shortages, exacerbated by the El Niñoinduced drought, leaving communities
vulnerable to starvation. In a case of
political
interference,
the
District
Development Coordinator for Binga North
Mr. Land Siansole Kabome, urged chiefs to
safeguard the ruling party's interests and
discourage opposition activities. These
incidents are part of a broader pattern of
human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, where
the rights to freedom of expression,
association, and peaceful assembly have
been severely restricted.
In Harare, ZPP recorded 18
violations, down from 40 last
month owing to the surge in
unjustified arrests that occurred
in July and August ahead of the
44th
SADC
Summit.
The
violations
recorded
in
September included threats of
violence, human rights concerns
related to service delivery and
denial of the right to education
as several schools turned away
students over non-payment of
school fees. Several suburbs
such as Glenview North have
witnessed filthy water running in
the taps and have resorted to
the
constrained
boreholes
across the city, further raising
concerns about the citizens’
need for portable water.
10