November MMR
KEY VIOLATIONS
RAMPANT DISCRIMINATION IN FOOD AID AND AGRICULTURAL INPUTS DISTRIBUTION
The distribution of aid in Zimbabwe has been marred
In some instances, unfair distribution of rations left many
by rampant discrimination, with the majority of cases
individuals and families struggling to survive. A striking
being politically motivated. The ruling ZANU PF
example of this unfair distribution can be seen in
party's overbearing influence in districts and wards
Mhandarume, Chimanimani West where50 kg of compound
has largely resulted in the unfair allocation of aid,
D fertilizer was shared among three farmers. In the same
with those perceived to be opposition supporters
constituency, in Murazvu B village, 20kg of maize was
being denied assistance. In November 2024, ZPP
shared among 63 farmers (meaning 0.3kg per farmer) while
documented
unfair
15 farmers shared a litre of herbicide (0.06 liters per person).
distribution of government sponsored food aid and
Meanwhile war veterans in the same ward received a 50kg
agricultural inputs. These violations affected a total
allocation per farmer. This blatant disparity highlights the
of 146 (85 women and 61 men) people. Discrimination
politicization
has taken various forms, including the theft of aid
connections to the ruling party are favored over others.
using beneficiaries' names, discriminatory practices
Furthermore,
during
biased
resources, especially in the period where the country is hit by
distribution based on political affiliation. In Gokwe
persisting droughts, may have severe consequences for
central, about 7 households were denied food aid
those affected further perpetuating the denial of the right
after they were not found in the ZANU PF cell group
to adequate food as provided for in Section 77 of the
register. Mike Gwasha of ZANU PF instructed the
Constitution of Zimbabwe. The persistence of political
victims to leave the distribution gathering citing that
discrimination in aid distribution not only undermines the
the “presidential scheme was meant for those
principles of fairness and equality but also perpetuates the
supporting ZANU PF and the president.” In some
marginalization of already vulnerable populations. It is
instances, aid has been withheld from individuals
essential that the government, through relevant departments
who had not paid the mandatory transport fees,
such as the Social Welfare and Ministry of Agriculture, take
further exacerbating the situation. 35 households in
immediate action to address these injustices and ensure
Zhombe,
that aid is distributed based on need, rather than political
the
27
violations
registration
Midlands
related
process,
Province
were
to
and
denied
aid
because they had failed to pay US$6 demanded by
of
the
aid
distribution,
grossly
where
inadequate
those
distribution
with
of
affiliation.
ZANU PF Ward chairperson Mr Albert Dube and an
Agritex field officer Mrs S Dungeni Phiri, as transport
and administration fees.
0
20
40
56
Threats of Violence
27
Unfair distribution of food aid
Restrictred Freedom of Expression
14
11
Restricted access to social services
Restricted freedom of assembly
9
Inhuman treatment
6
Assault
5
Looting/pillaging
3
Unjustified arrests
3
Malicious Damage of Property
Report
Human Rights Violations
2
0774883417 07748834064