EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In July, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) recorded a total of 121 human rights violations,
reflecting persistent patterns of systemic abuse and repression in the country. These violations
stemmed from acts of physical assault, harassment and intimidation, as well as discriminatory
practices, particularly in the allocation of government-sponsored food aid and the conduct of
politically motivated activities. A total of 10,013 individuals were directly affected, including
5,177 women, 4,836 men, and 41 persons with disabilities.
The documented violations infringed on a wide range of fundamental rights and freedoms.
These include the right to personal security, equality and non-discrimination, freedoms of
assembly and association, expression, and media freedom. Additionally, violations were
recorded in relation to the right to access information, protection from degrading and inhuman
treatment, and the right to shelter and property, as evidenced by cases of displacement, hate
speech, malicious damage to property, and arbitrary arrests.
Analysis of the perpetrators revealed that the ZANU PF leadership, including individuals holding
local, provincial, or national positions, accounted for the largest share at 22%, followed by
ZANU PF supporters at 16.8%. Other responsible actors included local authorities (14.6%),
members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (12.7%), traditional leaders (12.1%), and school
authorities (8.1%). Additional perpetrators were identified as artisanal miners (7.8%),
government officials (1.2%), members of the Zimbabwe National Army (1.2%), and religious
leaders (0.6%). Approximately 2.8% of the violations were perpetrated by individuals
unaffiliated with any known institution or political group.
In the section Towards Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe, this report briefly reflects on the
potential of the Gukurahundi hearings to advance national peace, reconciliation, and healing,
if the process is genuine, inclusive, transparent, and victim centered. Under the section Ten
Steps Backwards, the report highlights a worrying and regressive trend: the emergence of
forced contributions of grain and other resources from already struggling communities. This
practice, implemented with little to no transparency or policy clarity, undermines trust in public
institutions and poses serious risks to food security and the protection of fundamental human
rights.
While the overall human rights
landscape
ZPP
remains
fragile,
acknowledges
encourages
and
emerging
institutional steps taken by
several
stakeholders
relevant
authorities
and
toward
fostering sustainable peace
and
accountability
Zimbabwe.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
2025
in
107 HRVs
107
83
Affecting 1 751 victims
83 HRVs
121
JUNE
MAY
Affecting 5 376 victims
121 HRVs
JULY
Affecting 10 013victims
3