PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
MAY
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JUNE
JULY
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Harare
In Harare province, 17 human rights violations spanning a broad spectrum of civil, political, and socio-economic
rights were documented. The violations affected 1274 people (829 women, 445 men including 2 PWDs). These
violations reflect an entrenched pattern of state-instigated repression, politically motivated violence, and systemic
socio-economic exclusion, particularly affecting informal traders, opposition supporters, and vulnerable
communities. A significant number of violations were linked to forced evictions and destruction of livelihoods. In
multiple areas including Parktown, Kuwadzana, and Epworth, the Harare City Council, with support from the
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), carried out demolitions of vending stalls, tuck-shops, and informal trading
structures. These operations were executed without adequate notice, and in many cases, vendors lost goods and
equipment without compensation. In Kuwadzana, tear gas used to disperse protesting vendors affected school
children at Kuwadzana 2 Council Primary School, raising serious concerns over the disproportionate use of force.
The right to personal security and protection from inhuman treatment was also severely violated in a politically
motivated attack in Epworth. Following a campaign rally, a young man was abducted, severely beaten, and dumped
at a quarry dam by individuals affiliated with the ruling party. Further compounding the violations were politically
orchestrated displacements in Epworth, where eight homes belonging to opposition supporters were demolished
following a campaign rally addressed by ruling party leaders. Additionally, violations of freedom of assembly and
association were documented when residents in Kuwadzana were reportedly coerced into attending a national
heroes’ burial. These incidents collectively demonstrate how basic rights are suppressed through political violence,
state-sanctioned demolitions, and targeted intimidation. The cumulative effect is the deepening of fear, exclusion,
and loss of livelihoods for already vulnerable populations.
Bulawayo
Two human rights violations were documented, affecting 30 individuals (13 women and 17 men) in Bulawayo. In an
incident in Bulawayo, a mental health activist and eight others were unjustly arrested for peacefully protesting
against unfair handling of a court case. In Bulawayo, Old Luveve, several pupils were denied their right to education
when they were denied access to their mid-term examinations on July 21 because they had not paid a US$25 bus
levy, despite having paid their school fees in full. This practice directly contravened existing ministry directives, which
prohibits penalising learners over unpaid levies. This incident highlights ongoing violations of the right to education
and the vulnerability of children to unjust administrative decisions, which undermine equal access to learning and
educational outcomes. The case highlights how administrative negligence is undermining fundamental rights
guaranteed under Zimbabwe’s Constitution, including the right to education without discrimination.
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