October MMR
PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK
Midlands
Matabeleland South
There was a slight increase in human rights
In
violations in Midland, with 17 violations
documented in Matabeleland South province.
recorded in October, up from 14 in the
Notable
previous month. Incidents of silencing of
maladministration of the government sponsored
dissent or attempts to do so, and politicisation
livestock feeding program. In Gwanda South
of aid have been reported across the
Constituency, farmers face significant human rights
province. In Ward 23, a male victim was taken
challenges
in for questioning by police after inquiring
livestock drought relief feed. Although the feed is
about his exclusion from the beneficiaries list.
supposed
Furthermore, approximately 20 households in
transportation costs from Kwekwe, ranging from
Mberengwa East constituency were denied
$15 to $20 per farmer, depending on distance .
cattle feed aid by village heads solely due to
This requirement excludes those unable to afford
their affiliation with the opposition party.
transportation,
Intimidation tactics were also employed, with
benefiting from the aid or end up getting less than
village heads coercing community members to
allocated, disproportionately affecting vulnerable
join the ruling party's local cells, accompanied
communities
by
equitable access. Farmers with financial resources
threats
individuals
to
from
remove
the
non-compliant
government
October,
14
human
trends
in
to
were
accessing
be
as
rights
free,
they
thereby
abuses
were
conflicts
and
government-provided
farmers
are
creating
must
cover
excluded
concerns
from
on
aid
have been noted to purchase more bags, while
beneficiaries list. These actions undermine the
others struggle to access the allocated five bags
progress made in inclusive aid distribution and
per month.
highlight the need for safeguarding against
conflicts of interest and ethical threats,
ensuring that assistance reaches those who
need it most
Mashonaland East
14 human rights violations were documented in Mashonaland East province. Drought-induced water
scarcity is fueling conflicts among communities in Zimbabwe, with authorities denying villagers access
to water sources. This situation is further complicated by reports of forced participation in political
processes, particularly in Murewa District. Shockingly, school children were forced to participate in the
Anti-Sanctions march, raising concerns about their rights and protection. In another disturbing trend,
artisanal mining activities in Mutoko are disrupting education, with illegal mining taking place on school
premises. This not only poses safety risks but also undermines the learning environment. It is therefore
crucial for government authorities to investigate and take decisive action in ensuring the protection of
children and promoting a safe learning environment where mining activities
However, there's a glimmer of hope as the government's school feeding program is providing relief to
primary school learners who are receiving at least one hot meal a day. This initiative aims to cushion
learners from the effects of the El Niño-induced drought and promote high nutrition levels. Schools
have organised cabbages and soya chunks as relish to complement the mealie meal provided by the
government.
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