Zimbabwe Peace Project
FREEDOM OF
ASSEMBLY AND
ASSOCIATION
WHAT IS FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY
AND ASSOCIATION?
Freedom of Assembly and Association refers
to the right of individuals to peacefully gather,
demonstrate, protest, form, join, or participate
in groups, organisations, unions, political
parties, and civic movements of their choice.
This right enables citizens to collectively
express opinions, defend shared interests,
participate in public life, and hold authorities
accountable without fear of intimidation,
violence, or punishment.
LIMITATIONS AND ABUSE OF
THE RIGHTS IN ZIMBABWE
In practice, these rights are often abused through:
Unjustified restrictions on public gatherings and
demonstrations
Forced attendance of public or political
meetings
Arbitrary arrests, detentions, intimidation, and
harassment of organisers and participants
Misuse of administrative procedures to block,
delay, or disrupt peaceful assemblies
Any
limitation
that
is
disproportionate,
discriminatory, or punitive is unconstitutional and
violates international and regional human rights
standards
THE CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE
Section 58:
Guarantees freedom of assembly and
association, including the right to form
and join political parties, trade unions,
and other associations.
Protects individuals from being forced to
belong to any association.
Section 67:
Further protects political participation,
including the right to campaign,
demonstrate, and participate peacefully in
political activities.
The Constitution places a positive duty on the
State to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil these
rights.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY RIGHTS
ARE VIOLATED?
If your rights are violated, you should:
Document
the
incident
(date,
location,
perpetrators, witnesses, photos or videos if safe)
Seek legal assistance from a lawyer or legal aid
organisation
Report the violation to credible human rights
organisations such as ZPP
Seek medical attention if injured and keep
medical records
ZPP encourages citizens to report violations so that
abuses are documented and accountability can be
pursued.
KEY MESSAGE
Freedom of Assembly and Association empowers citizens to organise, participate,
and speak collectively on issues that affect their lives. These rights must be exercised
peacefully and responsibly, and the State must ensure protection, not repression.
Report
0774883417
or 0774883406
Human Rights
Violations
0774883417 0774883406