Statement on the occassion of the
International Day of Peace
21 September, 2025
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) joins the world in commemorating the
International Day of Peace, a moment to reflect on the meaning of peace,
recommit to building it, and reimagine how sustainable peace can be achieved
in contexts such as ours. This year’s global theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful
World,” calls us to urgent action. It resonates strongly with ZPP’s vision of
“Re-Imagining Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe.” While we celebrate the
resilience of our communities, who continue to hold onto hope and strive to
live peacefully together, we must confront the realities that undermine peace in
Zimbabwe. The 2025 Global Peace Index ranks Zimbabwe 114 out of 163
countries, a clear indicator of the fragile state of peace.
As ZPP, we believe this ranking reflects, in part, the unresolved human rights
situation in the country. In contexts such as ours, where there is no war or
substantial violent conflict , it would be remiss to mistake that with peace. The
extent to which every person, regardless of class, race, status or any other
distinguishing factor, is guaranteed dignity is indicative of whether a society
enjoys peace or not. Valuing human dignity is the foundation that enables each
person to be guaranteed freedom, justice and fair treatment.
Our society continues to grapple with threats to peace in the form of persistent
human rights violations, especially during politically sensitive periods, where
violence, intimidation, and exclusionary tactics expose the fragility of peace at
a time when our collective tolerance is most needed.This year alone ZPP has
documented 891human rights violations, and these have affected over 38 400
people across provinces (38 417 people affected, 20627 women, 17790 men with
553 PWDs). The frequently occurring and most dire being related to freedom of
assembly and association, partisan distribution of food aid and other
restrictions to access social services, breaches of the right to personal security,
inhuman treatment and violations of the right to equality and nondiscrimination.
Equally troubling is the growing polarisation among traditional leaders. As
custodians of culture and unity, traditional leaders should serve as impartial
peacebuilders. Yet, too often, they are dragged into political battles, deepening
divisions instead of bridging them, and weakening the very social fabric they
are entrusted to protect. Peace cannot thrive where institutions are captured,
rights are selectively applied, and politics is placed above people. Despite these
challenges, there are beacons of hope. ZPP recognises and applauds the tireless
efforts of community peace ambassadors across Zimbabwe, ordinary citizens
who mediate conflicts at grassroots level, hold difficult conversations, and
defend human dignity, often at great personal risk.
For any inquiries: zppinfo@myzpp.com