the Gukurahundi community outreach in order to make this a truly peace and reconciliation seeking
process, characterised by truth telling and preparedness for reparation. It is important that this process
culminates in holding perpetrators accountable in an effort to deliver justice to victims and their families.
To truly achieve healing and reconciliation, it is essential that the government and stakeholders prioritise
the needs of victims and expedite such initiatives.
ZPP also acknowledges the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security, which aligns
with UN Resolution 1325. NAP is a step in the right direction in promoting gender equality and women's
inclusion in political and peace processes. Implementation of the NAP should be expedited as there is still
much work to be done including addressing the socioeconomic barriers that prevent women from
participating in politics and ensuring their safety and security. The disparities in our economic systems,
the inequalities in access to healthcare, education, and justice, the marginalisation of vulnerable groups –
all these perpetuate a silent, yet destructive, form of violence. The hunger, poverty, and desperation that
afflict many of our communities are not natural phenomena, but symptoms of a systemic failure to
prioritise human dignity and well-being.
To build lasting peace, the Zimbabwe Peace Project urges all well meaning citizens to address the root
causes of conflict and inequality, foster inclusive economic growth that benefits all Zimbabweans,
strengthen institutions that protect human rights and promote social justice and invest in education,
healthcare, and social services that uplift vulnerable populations.
On this International Day of Peace, ZPP urges the government to uphold its obligations to end impunity,
protect human rights and promote sustainable peace. This includes investigating and prosecuting those
responsible for human rights violations such as torture, harassment and intimidation, and crimes against
humanity. ZPP also calls on the Zimbabwe government to clarify on the status of the National Peace and
Reconciliation Commission whose mandate to promote national healing and unity remains unfulfilled if
the commission cannot carry out its mandate. ZPP calls on the state to respect citizens' fundamental
rights, such as freedom of assembly and association, freedom from torture and the right to petition and
demonstrate, to foster a culture of peace and national unity.
We call upon the leaders of the country to prioritise the welfare of all citizens, not just the privileged few
and promote tolerance, understanding, and solidarity. Let a culture of peace be cultivated and let it
prevail.
Happy International Day of Peace, Zimbabwe!
..Ends//