EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In February, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 117 human rights violations
nationwide, impacting 7,292 people. The victims comprised 4,064 women, including 94
with disabilities, and 3,228 men, among them 77 with disabilities.
These violations included threats of violence, politically motivated assault, unfair distribution of
food aid, and restrictions on freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Additionally, ZPP
reported incidents of inhuman treatment, social service access restrictions, and arbitrary
evictions. While most violations targeted politically unaffiliated citizens, specific groups affected
included CCC members, informal traders, university students, ZANU PF members, and journalists.
Perpetrators linked to the ruling party accounted for 52.67% of all violations. Other responsible
parties included local authorities (18.5%), Zimbabwe Republic Police (8.5%), government officials
(4.61%), traditional leaders (3.16%), Forever Associate Zimbabwe (3.1%), CCC (1.7%), war
veterans (1.21%), and religious leaders (0.24%). Notably, 6.31% of perpetrators had no
identifiable affiliation.
In the section “Towards sustainable peace in Zimbabwe”, ZPP highlights the Zimbabwe Council
of Churches’ statement on the Church and the Public space, which emphasizes’ ZCC
commitment to remain true to promoting a better and inclusive future, one that will enable the
nurturing of a culture of peace, justice, prosperity, and reconciliation in Zimbabwe.
In the section “10 steps backwards”, ZPP expresses grave concern over the alarming erosion of
freedom of expression, as evidenced by the arrests of journalists and the resultant chilling effect
on the media and citizens. Furthermore, the organization notes a pervasive culture of
intimidation and harassment perpetrated by traditional leaders and local political actors, which
serves to stifle dissenting voices and undermine the fundamental right to free expression.
The human rights violations documented in this report are merely the tip of the iceberg, exposing
a disturbing trend of blatant disregard for human rights in Zimbabwe. It is imperative that
citizens and responsible institutions assume a proactive role in upholding, protecting, and
promoting human rights nationwide, to stem the tide of impunity and ensure accountability for
these egregious abuses.
Contents
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Key human rights violations..........................................4
Towards Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe ..................7
10 Steps backward..........................................................7
Provincial Outlook...........................................................8
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