Masvingo
In Masvingo, Zimbabwe, 22 human rights violations were documented. These
incidents include harassment, intimidation, and forced participation in ruling
party events and political discrimination on food aid distribution. Other
violations included forced labour where in Bikita South and Masvingo North,
villagers were coerced into joining the food for work program, toiling for over
five hours daily for two months without receiving any food aid. There was also
political intimidation where Mr. Court Zevezai, an assistant to the Member of
Parliament for Bikita East, publicly declared civil servants who don't support the
ruling party a threat, striking fear into the community. Incidents of coercive
participation were also recorded where village heads have been forcing residents
to attend ruling party meetings and join party structures to access governmentsponsored aid. These actions undermine the fundamental rights of Masvingo's
citizens, perpetuating a culture of fear and oppression. Similar incidents have
been reported in other parts of Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for urgent
attention to address these systemic human rights abuses.
Mashonaland East
Mashonaland East province has seen a decline in human rights abuses, from 21
to 13, but the situation remains concerning. Unfair food aid distribution has led
to conflicts among citizens, highlighting the desperation and competition for
limited resources. Incidents of Intimidation and discrimination were recorded at
Zihute hall, where Lovemore Muteyebani, a ZANU PF official, incited violence
against opposition supporters in ward 30, specifically targeting those affiliated
with the CCC. In a different incident, a male victim was assaulted for wearing a
ZANU PF T-shirt. Incidents of political bias and discrimination have also been
recorded regarding food aid distribution demonstrating a worrying trend of
politicisation and manipulation of food aid, exacerbating existing tensions and
vulnerabilities. The situation in Mashonaland East mirrors broader regional
challenges where communities face precarious food supply situations due to the
El Nino induced drought. In Zimbabwe, ensuring equitable access to food aid and
addressing human rights abuses is crucial. The government must prioritise
impartial distribution of resources, protecting vulnerable populations from
exploitation and intimidation by ensuring there is impartial food aid distribution.
Mashonaland West
23 human rights violations were recorded in Mashonaland West Province.
Residents in Karoi are faced with a water crisis, relying on unhealthy streams for
drinking water, sparking typhoid and cholera fears. Food aid distribution in
Kariba has been contentious, as beneficiaries’ selection is biassed towards
ruling party supporters.
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