April 2019
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
This society can also well be realised if rights of journalists are respected and able to carry
out their duties without victimisation. This further extends to the civil society which was
brought under the spotlight when Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema, on 29 April alleged
that some organisations are grooming the public in acts of protests so that they can overthrow
the government. ZPP trusts that government realises the importance of the oversight role
played by the civil society and paves way for a more progressive and organic relationship that
is not shrouded in suspicion and antagonism.
Watchlist
The continued decline of the economy and escalation of prices will likely yield a frustrated
and disgruntled citizenry. If not addressed, the situation may lead to a volatile environment
culminating in strikes, stay aways and protests.
The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) outreach meetings currently
underway are also worthy of note. Furthermore, exhumations already taking place without a
clear policy framework is an issue that ZPP will keep under review.
Zanu PF cell restructuring processes currently underway in the country are also a matter to
note, considering that the initial process has already perpetuated fear. ZPP hopes that going
forward, the Zanu PF restructuring will happen in a peaceful manner that will instil
confidence and not breed fear.
The running battles sporadically taking place in Midlands between artisanal miners and
illegal gold panners are a cause of concern particularly considering that the situation seems to
continue unabated. The lawlessness, if allowed to perpetuate will spread and affect ordinary
citizens caught up in these battles. ZPP will continue to monitor this area.
ZPP will also closely monitor the MDC elective congress scheduled for the 24-26th of May
2019 and hope that the process will be peaceful.
ZPP Recommends
The stoppage of continued politicisation of food aid and allow people to exercise their
political rights without fear of deprivation.
Political parties must provide a model for peace through how they conduct their
elections and other processes in the party so that the same temperature prevails in
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