“Clear the Filth”
Mass Evictions and Demolitions in Zimbabwe

Summary

Recommendations

To the Zimbabwe government

To the Southern African Development Community

To the African Union

To the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)

To International Humanitarian agencies

To the United Nations

Background

Political and economic crisis

Urbanization and the housing crisis

The human rights crisis

The Implementation of Operation Murambatsvina (Clear the Filth)

Patterns of evictions and demolitions

Reasons for Operation Murambatsvina

Failure to adhere to legal procedures

Movement of people to the rural areas

After the evictions: the rebuilding and reconstruction program

Human Rights Consequences of Operation Murambatsvina

Women

Children

People living with HIV/AIDS

Persons of foreign origin

The Humanitarian Response

Harassment of NGOs and civil society groups

International Response

Zimbabwe’s Obligations under International Law

Right to freedom of movement and choice of residence

Right to adequate housing

Security of tenure

Due process and the right to effective remedy

September 2005