Resolving the issue of escalating violence and state repression in Zimbabwe
Overview
For the last seven years, the human rights situation in Zimbabwe has been worsening. Around that time, a national referendum was held in which the government proposed a change in the constitution; the referendum narrowly failed. Ever since then, the government (headed by Robert Gabriel Mugabe since 1987) has been pursuing tactics of repression, aimed at eliminating opposition and quieting dissent. During a mission to Zimbabwe in February 2005, Amnesty International researchers collected evidence of government intimidation and arbitrary arrest of opposition candidates and supporters, manipulation of food distribution for political ends and severe restrictions of freedom of assembly and expression in the period prior to the March 2005 parliamentary elections.
The government is trying to stop Zimbabweans from freely assembling and trying to limit freedom of speech - rights that are internationally recognized and are cornerstones of any democratic society. These rights are also guaranteed in Zimbabwe's Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The government has created several laws, which can be found below, in order to serve its purposes of oppression. These laws are partly made in order to avoid international criticism and cover up governmental corruption and crime. They have been condemned by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights.
Key Events
- 2005 Parliamentary election fraud and violence
- May 19, 2005, Operation Murabatsvina, hundreds of forced evictions orchestrated by the government of Zimbabwe.
Key Laws
- Broadcasting Services Act,
- Public Order and Security Act,
- Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act,
- Miscellaneous Offences Act,
- Electoral Commission Act,
- Private Voluntary Organizations Act,
- The unsigned Non-Governmental Organizations Act.
Sources for your use:
http://www.amnesty.ca/themes/zimbabwe_overview.php
http://www.kubatana.net/html/archive/hr/060125hrw.asp?sector=HR
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/18/zimbab12312.htm
