ZPP Statement on International Day of Peace, 21 September 2024
Today, the 21st of September 2024, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) joins the rest of the world in
commemorating the International Day of Peace under the theme Cultivating a Culture of Peace. This
year’s theme reminds us to promote a culture of dialogue, peace and resolving conflict in non-violent
ways. As we reflect on the state of peace in our beloved Zimbabwe, ZPP acknowledges both progress
made and the challenges that remain hindering the attainment of sustainable peace in our country.
Some of the biggest obstacles to the attainment of peace include the deepening of polarisation, the
disregard of human rights and the lack of human rights accountability perpetuated by impunity. We thus
call for an end to impunity! A culture of Impunity as is evident in Zimbabwe interferes with efforts to
cultivate a culture of Peace.
ZPP has noted that several perpetrators of gross human rights violations such as abductions, enforced
disappearances, torture and inhuman treatment of citizens, remain masked and unpunished while the
victims and their families endure a long-suffering caused by such heinous crimes. In 2024 alone, ZPP
documented 54 cases of gross human rights violations affecting 840 victims. These include abductions,
killings, unjustified arrests, torture and displacements. However, none of the perpetrators of these heinous
crimes has been arrested or punished. On July 31, 2024 Robson Chere Namatai Kwekweza and Samuel
Gwenzi, courageous human rights activists, were snatched from a plane, held incommunicado for 8
agonising hours, and Robson was evidently brutally tortured but the perpetrators still roam freely.
High-profile cases are merely the tip of the iceberg. Countless others suffer in silence, their ordeals
shrouded in darkness. The government and all stakeholders must break the cycle of impunity and ensure
justice for all.
As Zimbabwe grapples with a devastating food insecurity crisis, exacerbated by the El Nino-induced
drought, the Zimbabwe Peace Project acknowledges the government's efforts to support vulnerable
households. However, a disturbing reality cannot be ignored - the exploitation of power by political
actors, traditional leaders, and community members to discriminate against individuals based on their
political affiliation. In 2024 alone, the Zimbabwe Peace Project recorded 115 violation cases related to
partisan distribution of food aid, affecting 1700 victims. This is not only a betrayal of trust but also a
violation of human rights, denying people access to food and basic necessities. No one should suffer from
hunger because of their political beliefs. It's time for Zimbabwe to uphold the right to food, ensuring that
aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of their political affiliation.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project acknowledges the government's efforts in addressing past atrocities that still
heavily traumatise victims to date, however there is need to rethink the strategies around initiatives like