November MMR
KEY VIOLATIONS
RESTRICTED FREEDOMS OF EXPRESSION, ASSOCIATION AND ASSEMBLY.
In November, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP)
An incident at St Patrick's Clinic in Chiwundura
documented a total of 34 restrictions of freedoms of
ward 11, where three unidentified ZANU PF activists
expression, association, and assembly, The restrictions, 9
denied a victim access to the clinic, has serious
violations of freedom of assembly, 14 violations of
implications
freedom of expression, and 11 violations of access to
Zimbabwe. By intimidating the victim and linking
social services, highlight concerns about the erosion of
his
fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe.
Emmerson Mnangagwa's Third Term bid to his
The
disregard
of
such
constitutional
for
alleged
freedom
of
mobilization
expression
against
in
President
fundamental
access to medical facilities, the perpetrators are
freedoms is evident in various ways, including forced
effectively silencing dissenting voices and stifling
attendance at party meetings and mandatory allegiance
free speech. This incident is a clear violation of
to access food aid. The Zimbabwean Constitution,
Section 61 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which
specifically Section 20, guarantees freedom of expression
guarantees freedom of expression, including the
and assembly. However, in practice, these rights are often
freedom to seek, receive, and communicate ideas
curtailed. For instance, traditional leaders in rural areas
and information. It creates a culture of self-
are over exercising their power often coercing community
censorship, where people are reluctant to express
members to attend political meetings and compelling
their opinions or participate in public discourse for
them to become members. In some instances, members
fear
are forced to attend and chant party slogans and if they
underscores
fail to comply they are denied the much needed food aid
government to take concrete steps to protect
and other government sponsored support for their survival
freedom of expression and prevent such incidents
hence many comply grudgingly. In Chikanga-Dangamvura,
of intimidation and harassment.
residents were coerced into attending a ZANU PF meeting
The
at Magada Business Centre to register for government
association, and assembly in Zimbabwe are a
food aid. A committee of 5 ZANU PF activists, led by
pressing
Tererai Razerera, conducted the outreach program, which
undermine the exercise of these fundamental
saw about 45 people attend, many against their will.
rights, creating a culture of fear and coercion. It is
During the meeting, attendees were forced to sing and
essential to address these restrictions and promote
chant ruling party slogans before registering for aid.
a more inclusive and democratic society in
This incident highlights the politicization of food aid
Zimbabwe.
of
reprisal.
Ultimately,
the
for
restrictions
need
on
concern.
the
freedoms
The
this
of
incident
Zimbabwean
expression,
government's
actions
distribution in Zimbabwe, where vulnerable populations
are being manipulated and coerced
into supporting the ruling party. This
freedom
association
of
but
expression
also
and
creates
Municipal Police
Religious leaders
8.77
%
a
CCC
ORS
3.16
%
Traditional
Leaders
AFF
3.86
%
T
RA
State agents
PERP
ET
culture of fear and coercion.
1.75
%
8.77
%
12.63
%
IL
ION
Local councils
ZANU PF
43.51
%
I
2.11
%
AT
not only undermines the rights to
21.75
%
Unknown
Zimbabwe
Republic Police