Since the Food Riots in 1998, there has been a steady decline in the observance of human rights in Zimbabwe. This has been well documented in a plethora of reports by Zimbabwean human rights groups, as well as by international human rights groups. These reports have been denied by the Zimbabwe government, and consistent doubts have been cast on the integrity of those publishing the reports. It is for this reason that the current report is so important.
This analysis of legal proceedings in respect of gross human rights violations clearly demonstrates the veracity of the claims made by human rights groups: the Zimbabwe government itself is conceding liability for the perpetration of gross human rights violations committed by its agents, particularly the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe National Army. In 90% of the completed cases, either the courts have found for the plaintiffs or the State has conceded liability, and this is not a trivial statistic.
The report tracks the Forum’s legal cases since its inception in 1998 in reaction to the food riots.
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