KEY VIOLATIONS
September Human Rights Vioaltions
0
10
20
Restricted freedom of assembly and association
26
21
Threats of Violence
Restricted access to social services
Assault
Other
Unfair distribution of food aid
Displacement
15
14
11
6
5
4
4
MDP
Unjustified arrest
Restrictred Freedom of Expression
Detention
Inhuman treatment
Restricted Movements
3
2
2
2
RESTRICTED FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION
During the reporting period, 26 violations of the right to freedom of assembly and association were
documented across the country, affecting 913 people (511 women, 402 men including 1 PWD) and reflecting
increasing political control over civic spaces and essential resources. In Kariba, 36 people were barred by
ruling party members from holding a meeting, while in Chitungwiza Ward 8, seven opposition members
were violently dispersed by suspected state agents during a planning meeting. In Mberengwa Ward 25,
traditional leaders openly endorsed the ruling party during a development meeting, further blurring the line
between state and party structures. Similarly, in Chivi Ward 16, ZANU PF leaders excluded opposition
activists from a Care International community garden initiative, politicising access to aid. In several
communities, particularly rural areas, forced grain contributions and the politicisation of government aid
programs have become powerful tools of coercion. Households are compelled to contribute grain or align
with ruling party structures to access food aid and farming inputs, effectively forcing political association
as a condition for survival. This undermines Section 58 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees
every person the right to freedom of assembly and association, including the right not to belong to any
political organisation.. These incidents collectively reveal how party affiliates are weaponising food aid,
development programs, and community spaces to compel political allegiance, severely undermining
political pluralism and citizens’ constitutional freedoms.
Report
Human Rights Violations
0774883417 0774883406
5