The promises of the new dispensation have disintegrated. From the hope and optimism that characterised the November 2017 transition from the de facto one-man rule under Robert Mugabe, many Zimbabweans are now left with a lasting sense of despair and hopelessness. It appears the justice delivery system has been weaponised against government critics, and due [...]
Highlights
2018 Annual Report
February 26, 2020Our Genesis The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum), was established in 1998. The Forum came into existence following the State’s repressive response to the 1998 Food Riots. From an initial membership of eight human rights organisations in Zimbabwe, the Forum has grown to twenty human rights organisations working in areas of women’s rights, children’s rights, youths, LGBT rights, prisoners’ rights, freedom of expression and of the media, anti-corruption, good governance, peacebuilding, and non-violent ways of conflict resolution. As the biggest and oldest human rights coalition in the country, our influence is unrivalled. Our products have received international recognition and been listed by credible academic institutions, including Stanford University, among many others. Our transitional justice interventions have inspired the birth of a continental movement and have been featured as a case study in the University of Cape town’s Governance, Society, and Development in Africa...
Read moreAnti Impunity Report Launch
February 19, 2020On the 18th of June 2019, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) launched its anti- impunity report at a breakfast meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harare. The report is an indicator of how impunity undermines democratic gains and the primary obstacle to upholding the rule of law. The launch was a further highlight to all citizens the need for government to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) and to ensure that the State makes a step towards fighting impunity and fully recognise the gravity of the torture situation in Zimbabwe. Read the full report on this link Anti Impunity Report Launch
Read moreZIMBABWE CIVIC ORGANISATIONS’ SHADOW REPORT TO: THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
February 18, 2020This is a Shadow Report prepared by a consortium of civil society organisations (CSOs) based in Zimbabwe to supplement, and in some cases controvert the contents of the 11th – 15th Combined State Party Report submitted by the government of Zimbabwe (GoZ), for consideration during the 64th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Read the full report here ZIMBABWE CIVIC ORGANISATIONS’ SHADOW REPORT
Read moreBurdened by disgrace
December 11, 2019In February 2019 the Forum produced a report that documented 17 cases of rape and sexual assault and other violations during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) organised stay-away between the 14th – 16th January 2019. The violations were allegedly perpetrated by the military and the police service. The basis of this paper is to ascertain whether the events of this period, particularly the rape and sexual assault meet the elements of crimes against humanity. Download the full report from the link below Burdened by Disgrace
Read moreJustice Under Siege
December 10, 2019The promises of the new dispensation have disintegrated. From the hope and optimism that characterised the November 2017 transition from the de facto one-man rule under Robert Mugabe, many Zimbabweans are now left with a lasting sense of despair and hopelessness. It appears the justice delivery system has been weaponised against government critics, and due process has become elusive for those charged with public order crimes and crimes against the state. This report examines the period from August 2018 to February 2019 and assesses the extent to which the formal legal protections granted by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and under international law, were followed. It concludes with recommendations on the de-politicisation of the criminal justice delivery system to ensure that the law is not weaponised or abused. Download the full report on the link below Justice under siege
Read moreStatement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2019Statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day 10 December 2019 Today: 10 December 2019 the world commemorates the International Human Rights Day. The International Human Rights Day marks the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the Declaration) in 1948. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) joins the world in commemorating this day. The Forum recognises this ground-breaking Declaration in the history of human rights globally. Zimbabwe has embraced the Declaration by incorporating its provisions in its Constitution, expounded under the Bill of Rights. The 2019 commemorations are being held under the global theme, Youth Standing Up for Human Rights. The United Nations in coming up with this theme, aims to celebrate the potential of youth in facilitating sustainable development, amplify their voices, and engage a broad range of global audiences in the promotion and protection of rights. It is within that context that th...
Read moreLaunch of “Hear them Cry”: An Analysis of State Violence Against Children During the January 2019 Protests.
December 5, 2019The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum compiled a report analysing state violence against children during the January 2019 protests titled – Hear them Cry. Representatives from various organisations which interact with children’s rights came to the launch and joined in the commemorations on the Universal Children’s Day which coincided with the launch of the Report. The launch sought to reiterate the need for government to protect children in times of conflict and in their interaction with the criminal justice system. In addition, children’s rights are not to be viewed as divorced from the overall rights that obtain from them being human. What was witnessed in January was a complete disregard of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution which are enjoyed by children as they have rights too. With this background of the report, it was befitting to launch it on Universal Children’s Day.
Read moreFrom VIOLENCE through TOLERANCE to APPRECIATION
December 5, 2019Press Statement Commemorating International Day For Tolerance 16 November 2019 The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) joins the world in commemorating the International Day for Tolerance. This is a day set aside by the United Nations on 16 November to affirm the commitment to strengthening tolerance through encouraging mutual understanding for different cultures and peoples. On the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance, the Forum, a broad coalition of human rights organisation in Zimbabwe, officially launches the tolerance campaign. Our 2018 State of Human Rights report launched on 15 October 2019 documents high level intolerance leading an increase in the violation of human rights. In the New Deception Report released in August 2019 records a shocking increase in civilian violence. While we note that most of the violations documented are cases of organised violence, the participation of individuals and the rise in hate speech indicates dangerous levels of intolera...
Read moreLamenting the State of Health Care in Zimbabwe
December 5, 2019Press Statement Lamenting the State of Health Care in Zimbabwe 18 November 2019 The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) is deeply concerned and appalled by the blatant disregard for labour rights of doctors who were recently fired by the Government for engaging in strike action for improved salaries and working conditions. The firing of 211 doctors as reported through the media at a time when the economy is on a fast decline and the situation for livelihoods is dire and a cause for concern. To date, 509 doctors have been issued with hearing letters and this scenario should make Government realize the absurdity of its response to the Doctors’ strike and make it more amenable to an amicable solution which promotes human rights. The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No.20 (the Constitution) is not a document for application outside of Zimbabwe but remains the domestic mandatory yardstick that governs the conduct of Government. Section 65 (3) of the Constitution affords doctors a...
Read more“Who will Guard the Guards?” Statement on the Police Attack on Civilians on 20 November 2019
November 21, 2019The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) is disturbed by violent conduct of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers against civilians and urges the authorities to sanction the officers who attacked civilians in violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. On 20 November 2019, supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) gathered at the party headquarters in Harare for the Hope of the Nation Address which was scheduled to be addressed by the party President Nelson Chamisa. The hostile response by the police who indiscriminately beat the crowd with baton sticks, with booted feet and fired tear gas in the busy Central Business District resulted in many citizens involved in their daily business being injured or bundled into police vehicles. Who will guide the guides
Read moreStatement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2019 : News, Press releases
Statement on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day 10 December 2019 Today: 10 December 2019 the world commemorates the International Human Rights Day. The International Human Rights Day marks the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the Declaration) in 1948. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the [...]
Launch of “Hear them Cry”: An Analysis of State Violence Against Children During the January 2019 Protests.
December 5, 2019 : Events, Monthly Human Rights Bulletin, Special Reports
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum compiled a report analysing state violence against children during the January 2019 protests titled – Hear them Cry. Representatives from various organisations which interact with children’s rights came to the launch and joined in the commemorations on the Universal Children’s Day which coincided with the launch of the Report. [...]
From VIOLENCE through TOLERANCE to APPRECIATION
December 5, 2019 : News
Press Statement Commemorating International Day For Tolerance 16 November 2019 The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) joins the world in commemorating the International Day for Tolerance. This is a day set aside by the United Nations on 16 November to affirm the commitment to strengthening tolerance through encouraging mutual understanding for different cultures [...]