“Peace is the most urgent item on humanity’s agenda.”
These words by H. B. Danesh remain true for the world but most importantly for Zimbabweans still trying to recover from the 2018 post-election violence.
On 21 September 2018, on the International Day of Peace, Zimbabwe gets the opportunity to reflect on what can be done to break the legacy of violence and build sustainable peace. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum), which has worked with many victims of organised violence and torture since 1998, will lead the peace day commemorations in Harare under the theme, “The Right to Peace: Building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe.”
This year’s commemorations are organised in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), Theatre in the Park, Renewal Fellowship and Youth Empowerment for Transformation Trust (YETT).
The commemorations reflect the diverse groups that are all key for building sustainable peace. Bringing together young leaders, civil society and church leaders, the commemorations give Zimbabwe an opportunity to explore inclusive strategies for building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe. Part of the attractions will also feature a theatre production on Heal the Wounds by Rooftop Promotions.
“Heal the Wounds” is a Zimbabwean play about two brothers-in-law from different political parties looking at the scars of our society’s political violence. It explores how the government’s newly set up committee for national healing can best ensure that the painful events during and after the elections are dealt with — and it does so with a great deal of humour. The production is presented by Rooftop Promotions with a stellar cast of: Chipo Bizure, Joyce Mpofu, Dereck Nziyakwi, Michael Kudakwashe, Tafadzwa Muzondo and Charles Matare. It is written by Zimbabwe’s most celebrated playwright: Stephen Chifunyise and Directed by: Daves Guzha.
The programme will also feature presentations by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC).
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The global theme for the peace day this year, “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70” intertwines well with the local theme “The Right to Peace: Building a just, inclusive and accountable Zimbabwe”.
Members of the public are invited to participate in these commemorations. Please use the link here to register. You can register for all activities or you can choose which ones you wish to attend. Admission is free. The morning sessions begin at 9 am and the evening session starts at 5pm.
Activities
Discussion Series (Online Registration)
Morning Session – 9am – 1pm
- 9:00 am – Young leaders dialogue on Peace
- 10:30- Reconciling a Wounded Nation – by Renewal Fellowship
- The right to peace at the heart of the Bill of Rights – by Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)
Evening Session: 5 – 7pm
- Heal the Wounds – Rooftop Promotions
- The Right to Peace: Your Right to Peace: Your Right, Your Responsibility, National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC)
Register here
