PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Matabeleland North
Masvingo
In Masvingo Province, 17 human rights violations were
In Matabeleland North Province, four human
recorded, underscoring a disturbing pattern of state neglect
rights violations were documented affecting
and abuse as 238 were affected (110 men and 128 women).
18 people (12 men and 6 women). Political
Pupils at Shazhaume Primary were sent home over unpaid
interference in the distribution of social
fees despite rain, exposing them to illness and prompting
welfare food aid was recorded. On March 14,
accusations of child abuse. In Chiredzi’s Ward 25, war
beneficiaries in Nkayi South received mealie-
veterans disrupted a church service with threats, infringing on
meal, but the process was hijacked by ruling
freedom of worship. On March 13, municipal and ZRP officers
party operatives self-appointed secretaries
raided vendors, seizing goods and stripping livelihoods from
who were not elected by the community yet
those already struggling with rent and school fees.
controlled the registration process. As a result,
Discrimination persists, as Mushaviri Primary excluded children
beneficiaries were aligned with the ruling
of parents with disabilities from school programs. Meanwhile,
party excluding victims for perceived political
police intimidation in Masvingo town created an atmosphere
affiliation to opposition parties. This blatant
of fear, while healthcare failures such as a woman being
politicization of aid sparked widespread
denied mosquito nets without explanation further illustrate
discontent,
systemic
manipulation of basic necessities for partisan
neglect.
These
incidents
mirror
concerns about disregard for basic rights.
longstanding
as
citizens
condemned
the
gain.
Matabeleland South
Human rights violations are impacting lives in Matabeleland South province. In March eight violations were
documented affecting 24 people (10 men and 14 women). Residents in Umzingwane ward are struggling with a
crippling water crisis, with many households still without tap water. The residents struggle to access portable
water and are compelled to travel long distances of up to 4km to fetch water or hire scotch carts. Additionally,
exclusions and political discrimination in food distribution issues have led to concerns over the quality and
suitability of food aid. These issues highlight a broader impact on human dignity and food insecurity, and the
need for government accountability in government sponsored food aid.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe's human rights landscape remains dire, marred by persistent violations at the hands of government
and state security agents. The Zimbabwe Peace Project's observations underscore a grim reality, where citizens'
rights are routinely disregarded. However, glimmers of hope emerged from interventions by organizations like
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, which have led to crucial High Court rulings among other actions being
taken by human rights actors to aid victims to access justice and propel a positive attitude towards promoting
and respecting human rights.
However key challenges still remain, including repression of dissent where Freedom of expression, association,
and peaceful assembly are severely restricted, particularly during politically charged periods as witnessed in
March. Violence and intimidation continues to be witnessed where state-sponsored actions induce fear among
citizens. Ultimately, Zimbabwe's path forward requires a commitment to respecting human rights,
constitutionalism, and ending state-sponsored repression. Without these fundamental changes, the country risks
further descent into authoritarianism, with devastating consequences for its people and prospects for peace.
Report
Human Rights Violations
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