Information Sheet
zppinfo@myzpp.com
UNDERSTANDING IMPUNITY
What Is Impunity?
Impunity refers to a situation where perpetrators of human rights
violations are not held accountable for their actions.
Impunity occurs when the state fails to investigate or prosecute
violations due to lack of political will, fear, corruption, or weak
institutions. When left unaddressed, impunity allows abuses to
repeat and sends a message that some people are above the law.
Why Impunity Is Dangerous
Impunity weakens the rule of law and erodes public trust in justice
systems and it:
Encourages repeat violations by perpetrators
Denies victims truth, justice, and reparations
Undermines confidence in the police, courts, and
government
Normalises violence and abuse of power
Silences human rights defenders and critical
voices
Where impunity thrives, societies become trapped in cycles of violence,
fear, and injustice.
Common Violations Where Impunity Is High
Impunity is most visible in serious human rights
violations, including:
Killings and extrajudicial executions
Enforced disappearances
Torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading
These
violations
are
often
systematic, not isolated. Human
rights
defenders,
journalists,
activists, and political opponents
are frequently targeted to silence
treatment
Arbitrary arrests and prolonged pre-trial
detention
Abductions, intimidation, and harassment,
Forced displacement
dissent and discourage civic
engagement. In many cases,
abuses
are
committed
by
unknown or masked actors, while
investigations
are
stalled,
Restrictions on freedom
assembly, and association
obstructed, or never initiated.
Report
0774883417
or 0774883406
Human Rights
Violations
of
expression,
0774883417 0774883406